Diana and Frank: Vow Renewal 6/20/09

Diana and Frank are such a great couple and when they talk about their marriage, the energy and love is truly infectious.  This was their 10 year anniversary and they had a lovely renewal in their home.  Because of the rain, we weren't able to have the ceremony outside, but their house was perfectly suited for an indoor ceremony.

They have a great story... they met and right away Frank knew he was going to marry her, and he told her so on the night they first met.  It took her another 8 weeks to come to the same conclusion.  Frank has three sons and at the time of his marriage to Diana he had a two year old grandson, Nicolas.  Well, now, ten years later, Nicolas walked Diana down the aisle, and there were a whole gaggle of grandchildren.  Ava, Michael, Kayla and Alissa joined the family over the past ten years, and they all played a big part of the ceremony.  Kayla performed a reading, and they all took part in several family traditions that Diane had created.  This was more than a renewal, it was truly a new bonding experience for the whole family.  A final toast was given by Frank's youngest son Christopher who will be getting married in July somewhere in Chicago.  Best of luck to you, Christopher, and may you be blessed with as great a marriage as your father, and may you have children as great as your brothers do.

One of the things that stood out were the words that Frank and Diana said to each other.  They were both so open, honest and sincere and everyone felt it, and if anyone watching wasn't crying, they were definitely getting choked up.  And in addition to the seriousness when they spoke of their feelings for each other, they were also making everyone laugh throughout the ceremony.  And this was one couple I could NOT stop from kissing before I got to the end.  They did apologize for their inability to restrain themselves, and I figured since they were already married, it was okay.  I lost count at four kisses.

Stak Photographers was there to take pictures and Steve and Tak were awesome as ever.  I'm looking forward to seeing what they captured.  I was excited that Diana and Frank went with them at my recommendation.  Diana and Frank also had a cello and violin duo that sounded great (Ambience Strings @ 516-313-9581).  Finally for the ceremony we incorporated a dove release (it had stopped raining).  After seeing the dove release, I would opt for that over a butterfly release.  It's not as difficult as it would seem, and it's definitely not as expensive as it seems.  There are more issues with a butterfly release, and you don't always get the results that you want.  Trust me!  Considering the overall costs of the wedding, the price of the doves would be miniscule.  In this case, I believe there were between 4 and 6 trained doves and they flew out and circled the house three times before they headed off home.  It was quite majestic and I'm sure everyone will not soon forget it.  Chris at Graceful Doves did a great job, so visit his website to find out more.

Taylored Menus Inc did a great job with the catering, and as there were a lot of kids around, some of the passed foods included mini burgers and french fries.  I must say, I normally don't eat anything, but I did grab a mini burger out of curiosity and it was really great.  The servers were great as well.

All in all, it was a great day.  And after everything, Frank, looking very James Bondish in his tux told me he'd see me in another ten years.  Okay, Frank.  It's a deal.  I've marked it on my calendar!

Be well.

-Ryan.