Coyne Vow Renewal
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, renewed and for always, Mr. and Mrs. Coyne!
It was an incredible experience to help this family celebrate their love stories! John and Debbie embraced their 50th wedding anniversary with a sentimental vow renewal ceremony. An intimate gathering with the closest of family and friends was held on the gorgeous grounds of the DeKoven Center in Racine, WI with a glimpse of Lake Michigan in the background. The couple walked down the aisle to “Endless Love” while their two sons stood waiting for them at the altar. The Coynes shared their special date with their son, Matthew, and their new daughter-in-law, Angela. The unique ceremony included a wedding for Matthew and Angela followed by a vow renewal for John and Debbie. The 28th of June will forever be a memorable date for this wonderful family. It was an absolute honor for me to be officiate these services.
Enjoy a few excerpts from this special ceremony below.
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Now, we are blessed to bear witness as John and Debbie renew the wedding vows that they took 50 years ago today!
In 1973, at a sock hop in Chicagoland, a young sailor met the love of his life. John was in the Navy, and Debbie waited for him to return. On June 28th, 1975, 20-year-old John and 18-year-old Debbie united in marriage at St. Pasco’s Church in Chicago, Illinois.
They bought their first house in Lake Villa and turned it into their loving home for the next 37 years. They welcomed two sons into the world: Matthew and Jason. They adored family life, and the years flew by. The kids grew, and John and Debbie retired to Lakeland, Florida. They blinked, and 25 years turned into 50, and here they are today- reaffirming their endless love for each other.
There is a simplicity in loving the person that is meant for you. That love is natural. It just happens. Marriage, however, is much more than simple love. It is a lifetime of choosing to love. Marriage is not a destination. A wedding itself does not secure the milestone anniversaries. You don’t just end up at 30, 40, 50 years together. Marriage is a journey- a blessed, sacred, fantastical journey. It means waking up every day and choosing to love each other, no matter the circumstances of the day. It means choosing to cherish, appreciate, and nurture each other through every opportunity and challenge. It means loving a person and receiving their love over time and through whatever ‘time’ may bring.
Celebrating and acknowledging this love is important. Ceremony is important. We are not just here today because John and Debbie want to throw a party- although today’s celebration will be fabulous! We are here because John and Debbie want to reaffirm their marriage vows, and they chose you to be witnesses to this affirmation. You are chosen to witness their joy as they continue to, above all else, choose to love each other and honor their marriage. Your presence here today is significant, and you are a special part of their married life.
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Each of you was given a special rock. John collected rocks in the Navy and on vacations with Debbie. For 50 years, they have been each other’s rock, and this milestone anniversary is a tremendous accomplishment and testament to steadfast love. The couple has selected these rocks so that each of you can have a symbol of their love and that you can take that love with you. Whether you decide to put this rock in your garden or on a shelf or leave it in a special place somewhere out in the world, you are called to be part of this love story and embrace and share the joy. I ask you now to hold up your rock for a blessing.
Lord, we ask you to bless these rocks and infuse them with the power of love for all who encounter them. Love cannot be taken; it can only be given. Love can never be bought; it can only be received. Love is a blessing, the greatest gift. Lord, above all, may we know your love. Guide us as we share your love with the world and may the love we give return to us in abundance. Amen.
Now, you may keep that rock as a reminder that you are loved and are called upon to spread love or you may choose to give that rock away. It is now in your care.
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There’s a new world somewhere
They call the Promised Land
And I’ll be there someday
If you will hold my hand
I still need you there beside me
No matter what I do
For I know I’ll never find another you
There is always someone
For each of us, they say
And you’ll be my someone
Forever and a day
I could search the whole world over
Until my life is through
But I know I’ll never find another you
It’s a long, long journey
So stay by my side
When I walk through the storm
You’ll be my guide,
If they gave me a fortune
My virtue would be small
I could lose it all tomorrow
And never mind at all
But if I should lose your love, dear
I don’t know what I’d do
For I know I’ll never find another you
-I’ll Never Find Another You by The Seekers
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In 1975, on your wedding day, you said, “I do.” 50 years ago, those words were said with anticipation, excitement, and hope. They were quite possibly the bravest words you ever said, not knowing what the future would hold. Today, with the wisdom of the years and with eyes and hearts wide open, you will be asked to say those two words again. Today, those words will be said with a love and understanding much deeper than you imagined possible all those years ago. My most heartfelt wish for you is that you continue to celebrate your love and marriage through the years, remembering always that it is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end.
With 50 years of marriage lived and learned, do you, John Patrick and Debbie Ann, reaffirm your commitment to each other as husband and wife and vow to continue to love and cherish each other, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, through sickness and health, forsaking all others, until death parts you? I do.
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To John and Debbie and a lifetime of love. Cheers!
*Be sure to read the Stump-Coyne Wedding blog post, too! 🙂