1920s-Inspired Vow Renewal

Erin and Colm celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary in 2022. The event took place on their non-profit’s farm with a beautiful white tent decorated with lounges, chandeliers, and beautiful vintage decor. The 1920s style was featured in both the design and the attire, with pearls, feathers, and vintage details. The day was full of fun, entertainment, and time to reminisce, celebrating the life they’ve built while featuring nods to their original wedding in 2000.

Vintage Attire for an Older Couple

Erin & Colm wanted to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in 2020, so after multiple changes, we happily celebrated 22 years in 2022! With the addition of 3 children and their non-profit, 3 Bluebirds Farm, much had changed in their lives and relationship, and they were excited to recommit themselves to each other in front of family who were at their original wedding, and their newer family and friends. The event was held on their 3 Bluebirds Farm property with a large, white tent that was made elegant and comfortable with lounges, chandeliers, and fans.

Colm, who is originally from Northern Ireland, was dressed in a light tan suit, featuring a paisley blue and white tie, a feather boutonniere, and dark newsboy cap. Erin was dressed in a gorgeous vintage dress with a cut-out back and embellishments fitting the 1920s theme. Her hair was pulled back into a bun with an accent braid, adorned with pearls, and turquoise jewelry completed her look.

Arriving at the venue

When the couple of honor and their guests arrived at the venue, they were greeted by beautiful decorations that matched their vintage 1920s theme, with robins egg blue, ivory, silver, and gold decor. Pearls, feathers, and vintage details were abundant! Guests were encouraged to dress the part, and they came in strong with vintage dresses and pinstriped suits, feather headdresses and lots of beads and pearls.

As folks began arriving, the ceremony musicians serenaded guests and ushers were ready to welcome them. Custom signage created by Erin were able to increase the Art Deco style in each area, and framed photos of the couple and their family were included. At the welcome table, there was a guest book, pens, programs, fans, water bottles, koozies, and personal flowers for specific guests who had played a role in Erin & Colm’s wedding day 22 years earlier.

A Vow Renewal Ceremony

The vow renewal ceremony took place under a beautiful arbor decorated with flowers and white chiffon. The chairs along the aisle had blue chairback sashes with roses and feathers. Under the arbor, a special table was set with a handfasting cord featuring a Claddagh charm, vow books, and a pretty book for readings by two of the couple’s adult children.

The celebrant, a friend of Erin’s, began the ceremony with an announcement asking guests to turn off their phones and enjoy the ceremony. The couple’s parents and close friends processed into the ceremony to the song “To Make You Feel My Love,” and the family procession song was “The Story”. Their children entered the ceremony right before Erin & Colm walked in together, hand in hand, as they’ve walked for two decades. 

During the ceremony, the couple exchanged new vows and there was a reading by their children. The handfasting song was “Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major”. After the couple was presented, they recessed down the aisle to the song “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da”.

Cocktail Hour with Live Entertainment

After the ceremony, cocktail hour was hosted under the tent. There was a spread of food by City BBQ and an open bar featuring specialty drinks. A bar sign featured the Signature Libations, which included Colm’s Old Fashioned and Erin’s French Martini. A photobooth was available for guests to take fun pictures, featuring an Art Deco inspired backdrop, and lawn games were available for added entertainment.

Loch Nuts Band, who personally know the couple and are pros at playing Irish music, were a great hit during cocktail hour! During the band performance, guests enjoyed sitting on the elegant lounges rented from Cottage Luxe, and a fun surprise was when husband Colm hopped on stage to join the band!

As we moved toward reception time, guests could find their seats on an elegant seating chart, which included guest names in vintage frames.

A Romantic Vintage Reception

To kick off the reception, the couple and their kids were introduced with the song “You’re Still the One” by Orleans. They sat at a sweetheart family table, surrounded by guest tables seating 75 guests. 

Guest tables had white linens with robin’s egg blue overlays for Erin’s favorite color. The centerpieces were decorated with mirrors, lamps, pearl strings, plastic vases with LED lights, and vintage jars with feathers, roses, and twinkle lights. Table numbers were printed with Art Deco font and placed in vintage silver frames. The place settings included silver chargers, silver flatware, napkins with menus, and silver dipped feathers, along with pre-set water to keep guests comfortable.

After buffet dinner was complete, the couple kicked off toasts with a welcome speech and vendors passed champagne to guests. The couple’s children and close friends gave toasts, followed by an open mic that kept Erin & Colm smiling, laughing, and welling up with happy tears.

A special cutting cake was created to match the design of their original cake, and a framed photo of the couple’s cake cutting in 2000 was set on the table as a beautiful reminder. Cupcakes were available for guests. After the dessert table opened, the DJ kicked off the dance floor with the anniversary dance, kept things packed on the black and white dance floor with chandelier overhead, and the evening ended with a final song, “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers.