Feb. 6, 2003 – It's all about commitment, according to Kathy Dove. She and her husband are among numerous couples expected to renew their marriage vows on Valentine's Day in a group ceremony at Trunk Bay on St. John.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on the beach near the walkway. It is free and open to all.
"It's a way to celebrate Valentine's Day in a meaningful way," said Ann Marie Porter, one of the event organizers.
Porter, who is among a handful of St. John residents licensed to officiate at non-denominational wedding ceremonies, said that free shuttle transportation will be available from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay and back. It is to depart Cruz Bay at 4:30 p.m.
During the ceremony, there will be special recognition for the couple married the longest, Porter said.
In Dove's view, the vow renewal ceremony is important to show today's youth that there are people who make long-term relationship commitments.
Come Monday, she and her husband, Bill, will have been married for 30 years. They were college sweethearts who broke while they were still students but reconnected later.
"It hasn't always been a bed of roses," she acknowledged. "I wouldn't say we've always liked each other, but we always loved each other."
She added: "I was lucky enough to find my soulmate."
Dove sees that the public renewing of their wedding vows will give her marriage a fresh start. "You're newlyweds again," she said.
Couples who would like to participate simply need to show up at Trunk Bay at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14.
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