As I recently told our youngest daughter, her dad and I committed our lives to each other and to God when we married so many years ago. Regardless of the tests these past two years have presented, neither one of us walked away from that commitment and the faith that binds our family together.
When my husband Tim and I got married we chose Valentine’s Day for the special occasion. He always said it was so he wouldn’t forget our anniversary!
Even though we celebrate 32 years of marriage this year, our 25th anniversary will always stand out to me as the perfect one!
My husband, oldest daughter and niece pulled off a surprise vow renewal service for me, and it was the shock of my life!
I hope you’ll enjoy reminiscing with me plus I’ve got great tips for celebrating a silver anniversary (or any special party!) These pictures of my long dark hair should also give you a few laughs. My husband and I sure have changed in seven years!
For our 25th wedding anniversary “date,” all I knew was that my husband was dressed in a suit and we were going to dinner at 4:30 Friday afternoon.
After a delightful Italian dinner I was blindfolded and told since I had “trust issues” I needed to just relax and enjoy the ride. No questions, no lookey see.
Of course I responded I had no Xanax handy so he better take care of me. (Insert slightly hysterical, not sure what to expect, laughter)
My mind raced as I pondered what he had in mind.
Our old favorite bed and breakfast in the woods?
A Broadway show in town or a concert?
A night in a hotel?
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.
Knowing how hard I am to surprise, my family went to extreme measures to create the perfect evening.
My oldest two sang “I Will be Here,” by Steven Curtis Chapman, a song Tim and I had often sung at other people’s weddings. It was amazingly touching to see my grown children use their talents to bless their mom and dad.
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was the unity sand. There were five different colors of sand in glass cylinders, to be poured into one container, symbolizing our individual lives joined together as one. Not just a husband and wife but our children celebrating our union.
My niece and oldest daughter plotted and planned for the reception that followed. (Jennifer and Rachel also designed and implemented Rachel’s peacock wedding theme.)
Even though they were limited to the basement of my daughter’s church they did a great job transforming it into a beautiful celebration. Here are a few tips for your own 25th anniversary decorations.
25th Anniversary Decorations
Tip 1: Choose a theme or color
Decorations centered on the colors of Valentine’s Day: red, white and pink. Decorating a church poses its own problems, but I love the way my niece used a sheet and tablecloth to keep the focus on the beautiful food.
Cupcakes were homemade with simple toppers made from scrapbook paper. Paper hearts were scattered across all the tables as well for a festive look.
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
Unbelievably, my husband smuggled out our wedding album so the decorations could include pictures from our wedding.
The “bride’s” table held the wedding album I made for our 15th anniversary. I don’t have a lot of time for scrapbooking these days, but I still treasure the memories recorded of our special day.
The flowers are the bouquet my daughter bought for me to carry during the ceremony. And, of course, my bridal portrait was on display!
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!
Fun ideas for 25th wedding anniversary decorations or adapt them for any celebration!
To the man I married on Valentine’s Day almost 32 years ago, I cherish this life we’ve built together. The work we’ve done in these last months to restore and rebuild what the devil meant to destroy have become a shining example for our children.
Nothing worth having comes without tears and perseverance. You are God’s treasure and mine.
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!
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
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!
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!
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
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.
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!
So sweet! Thanks for sharing at It’s Overflowing Party! XO, Aimee
Congrats! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 lovely and such a wonderful way to celebrate a very special anniversary! Thanks for linking to Craftastic Monday at Sew Can Do:)
Happy Anniversary! 25 years is a wonderful milestone! Thank you for sharing at Potpourri Friday!
You are very welcome. Thanks for hosting each week!