Amanda and Luke renewed their marriage vows with us in Wagner Cove in August with their eight-year-old daughter in attendance. They were visiting from their home in Yorkshire, England.
They had been married for ten years when they renewed their vows and Luke was 39 and Amanda was 35. They had moved to Vietnam not long after having met in the UK, working as teachers in an international school. They got engaged in 2013 and married the following year, in a small church close to Luke’s hometown.
The family were in New York to celebrate Amanda and Luke’s tenth wedding anniversary and they decided they wanted to renew their vows on the trip. They said that they didn’t really consider anywhere else to hold the ceremony after they had found that they could renew their vows in Central Park.
Amanda and Luke had visited New York together not long after they had gotten married. “New York is a special place for us both after visiting shortly after our wedding. It was snowing and freezing cold!” Luke told me. He said that was a stark contrast from the climate in Vietnam where there were living at the time, and of course quite a contrast to the usual weather we see in August in New York. They really wanted to return to New York with their eight-year-old daughter so it seemed like the perfect location to celebrate their anniversary.
I asked them if what they think about vow renewals in general, since we’re seeing lots more taking place in Central Park these days. “We think they are a lovely way to show continued commitment to each other,” Luke said. I do agree, I really enjoy writing these vow renewal ceremonies.
As we got closer to their date we saw that heavy rain was forecast for the day we had planned to hold the ceremony. We discussed in advance what to do in case of rain but as we got closer to the date, the forecast got a little better and it seemed that the worst of the rain would hold off until the afternoon, and they were renewing their vows in the morning. It did rain beforehand, and afterwards while they were taking photos, but only a little during the ceremony. “We were worried once we had heard the weather forecast of heavy rainfalls, but Claire put us at ease and reassured us things would still be able to run smoothly,” said Luke. I had also advised them to get some clear umbrellas in advance, since they look better in photos, which they had picked up from Macy’s.
I always ask our couples if they have any restaurant recommendations to pass on to other visiting couples. “Ellen’s Stardust Diner was wonderful,” said Luke. “The atmosphere was great, it’s not every day you get to listen to such fantastic singers whilst dining,” he added. “We would also recommend Serendipity 3 for the frozen hot chocolates! This is one of our favorite places we have been to,” he said. So there are two great suggestions for anyone visiting with a sweet tooth or for anyone who loves musicals.
Amanda and Luke and their daughter Marina were staying in the city for seven nights, they stayed at the Hilton Midtown, which is about four blocks from Central Park. “This was the perfect location for us to do everything that we wanted during our stay,” Luke said. We had flowers delivered to their hotel for Amanda to carry a bouquet of sunflowers and Luke had a buttonhole for his jacket. “The flowers that Claire had organised were beautiful and exactly what we wanted,” Luke said. Of course Marina was on hand to hold the bouquet during the ceremony.
We had their photographer meet the three of them at the entrance to the park and she took some fun photos there crossing the street, “our favorite photos were actually taken on the street before the ceremony where we met our wonderful photographer,” Luke said. After taking those shots, she walked in with them to Wagner Cove. “This was really private and had beautiful surroundings,” said Luke.
We had written a little introduction to the ceremony where the officiant talked a about their relationship to date, and most importantly, their shared love for their daughter Marina. Then they re-exchanged their vows. “The ceremony was perfect and our officiant was wonderful and made us feel relaxed and comfortable,” said Luke. Sometimes we have couples re-exchange their rings but this wasn’t possible because Luke has never taken his off and he said that it wouldn’t come off! So instead we had them each place their hands over each other’s while they said their vows.
I usually ask couples what their guests thought about their ceremony in Central Park. Luke said their guest of honor loved the experience and enjoyed having her photo taken. “It was great to have our daughter involved on our special day,” he said. After they had taken some photos at Wagner Cove, Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, they went over the Plaza Hotel. They had afternoon tea there together to celebrate.
I asked how we did. “Claire was wonderful from the very first time I emailed. She was always quick to respond to any queries and questions and ensured that the hold day ran smoothly and efficiently,” Luke said. “Making arrangements from another continent can be worrying, but Claire always made me feel reassured and confident. There was no question that seemed too small for her,” he added.
Luke was really happy with how things went on the day and you can see from the photos that they didn’t let the rain bother them. “Both our officiant and photographer were fantastic and helped to make the day special. The support of everyone at Wed in Central Park is very much appreciated,” he said. So, maybe we’ll see you all in another ten years then? Thank you for sharing your story with us, Amanda and Luke, and congratulations on the ten year milestone in your marriage.
If you would like me to help you with planning your own Central Park wedding, or a vow renewal as this ceremony was, visit our website. Keep updated with our news and see lots of beautiful photos, follow us on Instagram, follow us on Facebook, follow us on TikTok, and follow us on Pinterest.
