Paul and Barb Stein, of Cinnaminson, celebrate their happy day.
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.
Spouses exchange their "I do's" again during the renewal ceremony officiated by Mayor Leonard Desiderio.
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.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio poses with Amy and Owen O'Connell, of Philadelphia, married the shortest time of participants in the ceremony.
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."
Frank Roach and his wife, Barbara, from Upper Township, are the couple married the longest in the program.
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.
Paul and Barb Stein, of Cinnaminson, celebrate their happy day.
Couples enjoy a dance.
From left, Linda and Rick Gibbons, of Florida, Dave and Linda Cohan, of Sea Isle, and Mark Farbstein and Lynn Grieco, of Florida, share in the renewal ceremony.
