By MADDY VITALE
Kathy Bogle fixed her veil, swept her blond hair from her eyes and gave a wide smile.
The blushing bride wasn’t nervous. Bogle, who owns a vacation home in Sea Isle City, was excited, but calm.
That was because she was renewing her wedding vows to her husband, Dave Bogle, of 42 years, in front of about 30 other couples who chose to do the same at Excursion Park in Sea Isle on Saturday.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio hosted the second annual Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony. A sun-splashed sky and cool breezes added to the celebratory, free event.
The renewal is for couples who met, fell in love or are enjoying their “Happily Ever After” in Sea Isle.
Before officiating, Desiderio smiled from the stage and made some remarks that were met by laugher about the exciting and romantic occasion.
“For all of you who made it 50 years, you have 50 more to go. For others, you’ve got a long way to go,” he joked.
Couples looked at each other during the ceremony, recited their vows in unison and hugged and kissed. Afterward, they received vow renewal certificates and, of course, shared a romantic dance.
The lovebirds were even recognized for how long they were married.
Frank Roach and his wife, Barbara, of Upper Township, received a bouquet from the mayor and the city for being married the longest — 57 years.
Amy and Owen O’Connell, of Philadelphia, were married for the shortest time – since 2016. This is their second year that they renewed their vows.
Sea Isle Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said of the ceremony as she looked around at the couples getting ready to say their nuptials once again, “So many people have a story connected to Sea Isle.”
“Often, we find couples who met here or enjoy spending time here. They want to celebrate their lives in this way. It is one of the reasons to come to Sea Isle,” Custer noted.
Kathy Bogle said of the renewal ceremony, “We just think it is terrific. We are having a reception afterward.”
Then she smiled as she hugged her husband.
Dave Bogle said, “I’m just glad we had the opportunity to renew our vows.”
The Bogle’s friends, Debbie and Mitch Fitzpatrick were not just there to support their friends. They also were dressed up and ready to exchange their vows.
Debbie Fitzpatrick said, “I think this is great. We are going back to the Springfield Inn to pose for a photo later.”
The men wore dressy summer wear and the brides wore their veils and even had bouquets for their “I do’s.”
The four friends have known each other for years. They all live outside of Philadelphia and play golf together and love vacationing at the Bogle’s Sea Isle home.
But something significant for the Fitzpatricks is that they met at the Springfield Inn in Sea Isle and have been married for 31 years.
“Who says that doesn’t happen?” joked Mitch Fitzpatrick.
For more information about activities and events in Sea Isle City visit www.VISITSICNJ.com.
