Last weekend, I attended a Hotel Hershey wedding vow renewal ceremony for my best friend and her hubby of thirty years. It was a perfect fall weekend to reaffirm promises made on October 2, 1993.
Let’s talk about the married couple, Teri and Ben Moore. Teri and I are first cousins; my Mom and her Dad are siblings. For as long as I can remember, we remained very close through childhood, adulthood, and marriage. Distance hasn’t derailed our friendship even though I live in Central Pennsylvania, and she is in the Philly suburbs.
I recall when Teri met Ben. They met through a recommendation from their immediate circles. Ben came fully loaded with cooking skills. This is fortunate since Teri is great at hospitality but admits to limited culinary skills.
So, on October 2, 1993, at Morris Arboretum & Gardens in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Teri and Ben tied the proverbial knot. Such sweet memories from that day when Teri’s Mom, my Mom, and her Dad were still alive. My daughter, Channing, was the flower girl, and I was the matron of honor.
The two-day milestone anniversary celebration included their village of family and friends who supported and encouraged them along their marital journey. Teri’s sister, Danlyn (dressed in royal blue), coordinated all the details for this lovely event.
On the first day, male and female guests received complimentary sweet treats at the Spa—pedicures for the ladies and manicures for the gents. It’s never too soon for another Chocolate Spa Day, especially since my birthday last month.
At the rehearsal dinner at Harvest, the intimate circle of family and friends took a walk down Memory Lane. How? Playing “The Newlywed Game” to remember their past nostalgically. The revisiting Memory Lane also included photos of each respective couple’s wedding photos at our table.
Our charming room at the historic Hotel Hershey was quaint and welcoming. Another sweet treat, the gift box of chocolates waiting in our room. It’s worth noting that chocolate symbolizes love, passion, care, and happiness. Perhaps that is why Hershey’s motto is, The Sweetest Place on Earth.
The two-day festivities continued with Brunch. Where? Teri gave more gifts in the circular room, showing appreciation, friendship, and love. Channing and Teri’s niece, Talei, assisted the bride with her makeup and wedding attire.
The vow renewal ceremony lasted about 20 minutes. There were special readings about the significance of fire, a poetry reading, the lighting of the unity candle, and jumping over the broom.
Couples, Teri and Ben’s village lit the unity candles:
Teri’s sister and Bridesmaid, Danlyn, and her husband, Devaurd Swain
Ben’s Brother and Best man, Gregg, and his wife, Suliana Moore
A great friend and Bridesmaid, Debbie and her husband Michael Hightower
As Matron of Honor, and my husband, Trent Hargrove
Other family members who assisted in the vow renewal ceremony were Nephew Baravi Moore, who escorted Teri to Ben, and niece Bryttney Davis Johnson, a flower girl in 1993. Bryttney laid down the broom, a tradition for all three Davis brides.
With gentle reminders from Danlyn, every guest pre-selected their Filet of Beef, Chicken, Salmon, or Bass entree for the reception. And there’s no celebration without the couple dancing and their guests joining them.
I feel blessed to know and love Teri and Ben and share in their 30-year covenant relationship. Congratulations to the Moores.
Thank you for visiting The Age of Grace; I appreciate you.
P.S. I had to include a selfie of The Moore’s nieces and nephew who assisted the bride.