Largest
wedding vows renewal-world record set in Pittsburg
[Feb
11] PITTSBURG, PA, USA--629 couples gathered in Pittsburgh
Sunday to renew their wedding vows and set a new world record
for the Largest wedding vows renewal.
Photo: Helen and Ed Downing of Avalon are recognized
for their 60 years of marriage. Philip G. Pavely/Tribune-Review
(enlarge
photo)
The couples said "I do" all over again as part
of a shot at getting in the Book of World Records.
The special event was presided over by Pittsburgh
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl as part of the "Pittsburgh 250" celebrations
marking the city's 250th birthday, and everyone stuck around
for a cake and champagne reception.
"I am proud to have had the opportunity to preside
over this event, because to me, Pittsburgh is family. This
ceremony is a great way to celebrate Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary
because it honors the generations of family that have been
dedicated to building this City," said Mayor Ravenstahl.
The couples presented their marriage certificates
before the ceremony at the Carnegie Music Hall in the "Steel
City".
The couples paid $30 each to participate in the
ceremony. They also were required to bring a copy of their
marriage certificates and recite the same vows they took initially.
All couples received a commemorative certificate
of participation, along with a bag full of gifts and special
offers.
Most of the couples who didn't gain any extra
weight wore their original wedding gowns and tuxedos.
Ed and Helen Downing, both 81, of Avalon, were
recognized as the longest-married couple, having recently
celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Christine Carvajal, 41, of Spring Hill, was decked
out in the gown she wore when she wed her husband, 45-year-old
Chet Shuty, 11 years ago. Attending the ceremony was her husband's
idea, she said. ''I thought it would be romantic, fun and
record-breaking,'' he said.
The event was conceived by Kitty Julian, marketing
director for Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History and
Pittsburgh 250 Committee Member, and organized by Leigh Kish,
also of Carnegie Museums.
"Pittsburgh is such a family town. We love
weddings and celebrating. What better way to celebrate love
and Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary than to try for the Guinness
Record for the most couples to renew their vows together.
It has been such a joy to bring everyone together to pull
this off," said Julian.
Major sponsors for the event were TWOgether Pittsburgh,
one of the most intensive marriage support initiatives in
the Pittsburgh area, Great Western Champagne and radio sponsor
Star 100.7.
Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
partnered on the Re-Union event with VisitPittsburgh, the
official tourism and promotion agency for Allegheny County,
which is leading the "Reunion 2008 Initiative" of the Pittsburgh
250th Anniversary Celebration.
Related:
Largest
GOLDEN wov renewal-world record set in Bucharest
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