Ginny and Richard spent their 50th anniversary celebrating with their family and friends the legacy they have spent 50 years (to the minute) building for their family. Ginny reached out to me last February looking for an LBI event planner. I remember the phone call like it was yesterday. She called in the middle of a snow storm. I had no electricity and the internet was down. The storm allowed Ginny and I to connect. She told me about her family and friends. Her ideas for her LBI event and  all about the things that were important to her and Richard. And what was at the top of her list? It was creating a memory for her children and grandchildren to look back on and remember for the rest of their lives.

LBI Event Planner | Ginny and Richard’s 50th Wedding Anniversary

Ginny and Richard began their evening with a series of interviews. Their videographer, Eric from Creative Unlimited sat them down before their vow renewal to “interview” them about their relationship. I can not wait to see the results. What an heirloom that video will become for their children and grandchildren. Heather Palecek from Heather Palecek Photography also took some beautiful portraits of Ginny and Richard. (And can we take a moment to ohhh and ahhh over Ginny’s dress. The perfect golden anniversary beautifullness of it. I looooved it!)

Heather also captured family portraits in the Mainland Holiday Inn’s brand new courtyard. The courtyard is perfect for an outdoor ceremony or vow renewal. It’s filled with huge pots of lush flowers. And the center of the space is a beautiful over-sized fireplace.

The 50th Anniversary Vow Renewal

Ginny and Richard renewed their vows in front of family and friends. They incorporated a classical violinist from Ceremonious Strings. Ellen Anderson did a beautiful job playing.  And it might have made me cry. They were sweet and funny. They have a love and respect for one another that I’m, sure has played a role in 50 years worth of successful marriage. And when they told me that their close friend of over 50 years was going to perform the renewal, in his judge’s robe, I was excited. I love when couples choose and officiant with ties to their family and story. But Ginny and Richard had their vow renewal performed by a life-long friend of over 50 years and who played a role in the blossoming of their relationship! How many people can count themselves among those that are that lucky in both love and friendship?

LBI Event Planner | The Party Details

Ginny and I had so much fun bouncing around design ideas during that February snow storm. But I absolutely adored her the moment she told me that she trusted my vision and would leave the table scape design and florals in my hands. It’s so nice to work with a client who appreciates your opinion but it’s not every day that they just “let you run with it.” And the results were stunning. Gorgeous calligraphy mirrors in gold frames. The Shaded Maple did a beautiful job and created works of art the Ginny and Richard will be using to decorate their new home in Barnegat Light.

As guests entered the ballroom, there was a table with mementos from Ginny and Richard’s marriage. They put out their wedding album and a painted bridal portrait of Ginny. They had the key to their Paris honeymoon suite.

The Tables and Centerpieces

The tables had a beautiful sparkly runner form Ocean Tents and votives that reflected the sparkle perfectly. Each centerpiece was full of lush hydrangea, silver dollar eucalyptus, and peach and lavender roses. My favorite detail of the event was, hands down the seating chart. Each table was written using beautiful calligraphy by The Shaded Maple onto the mirror. And was named with an ingredient Ginny and Richard believed was essential to the success and longevity of their marriage. The centerpieces used gold laser cut words from HB Laser Engraving on Etsy, to indicate the table name for guests to find their seats with. I love it when details are not just pretty, but also strike an emotional cord.

The Party

The highlight of the night was Ginny and Richard speaking to their guests and sharing their story.  All while toasting from the silver cup they had used at their wedding. The same cup their son and daughter used at their weddings! The love they share was so clear. Ginny’s laugh, Richard’s hand on her arm. The two of them are an amazing example to their friends a family. And a model of what building a tradition of love and marriage in a family looks like.

Congratulations, Ginny and Richard! I am so proud of the work I did for you as your LBI event planner. But I am even more blessed to have been able to help you to plan an event that your family will treasure forever.

Loving Love in Barnegat, Jeanne

ps. If you enjoyed this blog on Ginny and Richard’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration, please read this blog. When I share with you the details on my parent’s 45th wedding anniversary party. And stay tuned, because I’ll be the LBI event planner for my in-law’s 50th with you later this year!

The Creative Team

Photographer | Heather Palecek Photography
Planner | Bogath Weddings and Events
Venue | The Mainland at the Holiday Inn Manahawkin
Videography | Creative Unlimited
Florals | Lily in the Valley
Calligraphy | The Shaded Maple on Etsy
Table Numbers | HB Laser Engraving on Etsy
Officiant | C. Judson Hamlin
Hair and Makeup | Bella Donna Salon and Spa
Band Leader | Donald Guinta
Ceremony Music | Ceremonious Strings, Ellen Anderson
Linens | Ocean Tents