On Valentine’s Day, Morning Pointe of Chattanooga, Tennessee, held a special vow renewal ceremony for not one but five resident couples!
“Hold Fast” was the theme of the ceremony, a fitting tribute to the more than 271 years of marriage represented.
“Hard times make you dig deep, and if you’re blessed, you learn from them,” shared Cynthia Marcotte, who has been married to her husband, Jim, for 71 years. “For a long marriage, it’s important to be honest and forgiving, and we have had enormous support from our friends and the benefit of a loving higher power.”
The assisted living community kicked off the event with flower petals thrown by a flower girl, Abby Russell, the daughter of Christen Russell, a licensed practical nurse at the community.
The five couples walked one by one down the aisle to the traditional “Wedding March.” Along with the Marcottes, who have been married the longest, the couples were John and Rosemary Prewitt (married 67 years), Gene and Joan Jeffrey (married 66 years), Ron and Bea Wade (married 57 years), and Jimmy and Pat Rodgers (married for 10 years). Each of them except for Ron Wade lives at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga.
Minister Bryan Boyer, who leads out in Sunday services at the community, officiated. He focused on the Biblical concept of “cleaving” or “holding fast” to one’s spouse. He led each couple in renewing their vows. “We celebrate the unity, the longevity, the perseverance that these couples represent,” he said. At the end of their vows, each couple shared a kiss.
Nena Mitchell, executive director at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Chattanooga across the street, sang two favorite Elvis songs, “Love Me Tender” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Several of the couples sang along with the familiar tunes with faces shining with affection.
Following the ceremony, the couples each had a small cake and sparkling cider to celebrate… wedding-style.
“Today was just a special day for them to recreate their original weddings, to celebrate with families and new friends that they’ve met, and just make it a special day for them,” said Emily Thibodeau, community relations director.
