After 45 minutes of suspense we slowed down on a gravel road. I found out later my actor husband was just pretending as he said, “reservation for Walden. This wasn’t supposed to happen.” He’s such a funny man. Totally trying to throw me off.
We arrived (at our daughter’s church) and he led me inside (to the worship center).
Before he took the blindfold off he told me, “25 years ago I asked you to spend the rest of your life with me. I wanted to make this year and this night memorable. Please join me as we renew our vows.”
He took off my blindfold and in the dark before me were candles in mason jars, lining the aisle of a darkened church.
As we went out into the lobby friends and family lined up to surprise me (including my youngest two children who remained clueless until we walked out the door for dinner!)
My daughter had bought a beautiful white dress for me and a bouquet of fresh white roses.
Tim had written the entire ceremony and had my vows printed out (in large type, ’cause I can’t see anything with my contacts!) for me to read and approve or change.
25th Anniversary Decorations
Tip 1: Choose a theme or color
Tip 2: Use items from the ceremony as part of the decor
The unity sand was used as a centerpiece (and conversation starter) for one of the tables, as well as my roses for the “bride’s” table.
Tip 3: Use memorabilia and photographs as part of the decorations
Tip 4: Use candles for decoration and ambience
Candles are always an inexpensive and beautiful way to dress up any party or event. Wrap some glass jars in yarn or a white dollar store candle with ribbon. So simple!
Arrange a candle with graphic from the invitation in a pretty frame and you have a lovely centerpiece!
Tip 5: Set up a photo booth to capture new memories
We had such fun with the photo booth and props and encouraged the guests to take pictures as well.
Always hamming it up!
Want thrifty home ideas you can do yourself?
Happy Anniversary! 25 years is a wonderful milestone! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!
You are very welcome. Thanks for hosting each week!
How lovely and such a wonderful way to celebrate a very special anniversary! Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do:)
Love this! My parents are celebrating their 50th in 2 years. I am bookmarking this to inspire when we throw them their party. Thanks so much for sharing on Tout It Tuesday. Hope to see you this week!
Congrats to your parents in the upcoming years. We had a 50th celebration for my parents (with a reception) and a 60th for family at my house. They almost made it to 65 but my dad passed in 2009 and my mom in 2010. Enjoy (and document!) these special years with your folks.
How pretty and perfect! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Thank you for visiting!
So Sweet! All of the decorations are so pretty! Congrats on 25 years, that’s wonderful!! My husband & I were actually married on valentines day as well 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Sunday Round Up! I hope you have a great week!
-Kayla 🙂
Another Valentine Wedding! Aren’t they wonderful? My husband says it was so he wouldn’t forget our anniversary. Good thinking! Congrats to you, too!
Wow!! So beautiful! And that’s a MAJOR milestone. Congratulations!
Thanks so much for linking up at I Gotta Create! <3 Christina
Thank you so much. It was a milestone and the best part was it was a surprise for me! Have a blessed week, Christine!
It’s all so beautiful! Congrats! And that is a great way to remember you anniversary, my husband and I totally forgot ours last year {we were waiting on our baby to be born if that’s a good enough excuse 😉 } and we were only on year 3!
It’s completely understandable to forget your anniversary when you’re having a baby! It will get better as you get older. We are blessed to have made it 25 years, but there were a lot of hard years, raising children, financial struggles, personality conflicts. Praying blessings on your marriage today!
What a beautiful celebration. Congrats!! Thanks so much for linking up to Tasty Thursdays on The Mandatory Mooch!! I hope you will link up again. The party will be live tonight. http://www.mandatorymooch.blogspot.com
Thanks, Nichi
This is so cool! Glad to know that you’ve had 25 years together–your niece did a great job making the party special for you!
Congrats! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
So sweet! Thanks for sharing at It’s Overflowing Party! XO, Aimee
Dale and I have been together going on 33 years, took twelve to get me down the aisle. We’ll celebrate our 20th this July. One of our Usual Suspects couples are celebrating 25 yrs with the group and a couple close friends March 30th. Loved what your children and Tim put together. Maxine and I will do theirs together and will happily use yours as a base line
Hi, Barbara. Happy early 20th anniversary! I’m so glad you got some helpful ideas from my post. It’s really simple to throw a party with inexpensive decorations and the emphasis on honoring the couple. Have a wonderful weekend!