Couples renew vows on Galveston Island

GALVESTON, TX On a beautiful island day, with the wind blowing across the beach and the historic Hotel Galvez as a backdrop, more than 50 couples said 'I do' again

"Whether it was a year ago, six months ago, ten years ago, think back," said Justice of the Peace Jim Schweitzer.

Among the couples is Seal and Ross Grief, who were married here 48 years ago. Her wedding dress is on display today. They were thrilled with today's opportunity.

"I told my husband, 'Let's go do that. That sounds like fun,'" said Seal. "We had a lot of good memories here and we had a wonderful reception here."

Also here are the Floyds from Beaumont. Her parents honeymooned at the Galvez in the 1940s.

"It's just exciting today. It feels almost the same except better," said bride Kay Sanders.

"I always cry at weddings, especially mine," added groom Parker.

Saturday's ceremony, complete with a champagne reception and cake, is part of the centennial celebration for the hotel. It is the celebration of a lifetime for these couples, again.

"It's a beautiful place," said groom Ariel Martinez. "We knew it was a beautiful weekend and a few weeks ago, it was my beautiful wife's birthday and I thought it would be a great birthday gift to renew our vows and tell her how much I love her."

The couple traveling the longest distance to attend the ceremony was from Michigan. The couple married the longest -- 65 years.

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