An Affair to Remember: Our Vow Renewal After 10 Years of Being Married

10 months ago, while Bob and I were having dinner, he asked me an out of the blue question, “What would you like to do on our 10th year wedding anniversary?” At that time, we just got back from our trip from Yosemite and San Francisco for our ninth year wedding anniversary get away and we were just about to embark a major journey to Patagonia in three months. My initial answer to the question was to celebrate it with close friends and family in some sort of a renewal of vow- here in Florida. That was my initial thought. But Bob has a better idea: a vow renewal yet similar to a destination wedding. Working on logistics, we wanted our immediate families and close friends to be there. Most of my family live in Europe (with six in Ireland including my nephews+girlfriends); Bob’s closest friend Bernard (and Bea) is also in France. We always wanted to go back to Ireland and so we came up with a vacation destination for our vow renewal- in Dublin. In a castle. When we finally decided which castle the venue would be, Bob worked rigorously on its availability, accommodations, and food. He did mostly the ground works while from time to time I would pitch in ideas.

Bob and I on our big day with Barberstown Castle at the backdraft. Kildare, Ireland, June 2023.

The entire Vow Renewal Crew in Barberstown Castle, Kildare, Ireland.

The next question was- who we will invite? When we sent our official invitation in September, the list of possible attendees was consisted of our immediate families and our circle of friends- some were there during our wedding in 2013, and some new friends we know after. Our initial list of over a hundred guests were trimmed to thirty two after we finalized the number of attendees in early April. We were very excited!

We arrived in Dublin four days before our big day. And I know for a fact that, some of our friends are either on their way as well or already exploring other parts of Europe or Ireland. Bob and I chose to be in the low key and decided to spend it with my sister and her family as we waited for my other sister to arrive from Amsterdam later that night. The first day was wonderful; the trip to Powerscourt Estate in county Wicklow was the highlight. On the next day, we had a trip to Guinness Brewery which I thought we enjoyed the most. The day before the wedding, Wednesday, we supposed to see a concert of Depeche Mode in Malahide Castle, but opted to stay since we were both tired and the jetlag was settling in; we met some friends who were staying in the hotel already instead. 🙂

We wanted our big day to be as relax as possible. During our wedding in 2013, I remember how much exhausted I was during our photoshoot. Bob and I decided that we will not repeat the same experience this time. So on the day of our wedding, after we (with some guests available) visited the Irish National Stud and Gardens in Kildare that morning, we relaxed at our room in the castle until the time to get ready came. Phil, our photographer timely arrived as well and started taking our pictures as we dress up. In retrospect, I was curious how the photos will look like, and it turned out to be great (obviously) as we are now looking at them.

Processional entry to the castle. The first time we were seen by our families and friends.

Our ceremony was set to start at 5PM. With ample time, we got to have more photoshoots at the castle grounds while our guests gathered in the Castle-Keep Room. And when the time came; Phil signaled us to walk in for the procession- the sign that the ceremony is officially started. With a short walk path, it came too fast; all I remember were: Somewhere Over the Rainbow song by IZ was being played (same song we had on our wedding 10 years ago); our guests were either smiling, clapping, and gasping in awe- all those sounds registered in my mind and as I looked around, I was delighted to see that all seemed happy and enjoying the occasion so far.

In our wedding in 2013, we didn’t write our vows- we have chosen a marital script that were fitting for our relationship. There were readings that our good friends read us. Though that were nice and genuine and memorable too, Bob and I decided to write our own vows this time and read it to each other and amongst our families and friends. They were heartfelt and almost brought me into tears (I think I may have had).

Jun’s Vow:

Many years ago, I wasn’t expecting that a guy, a very descent, intelligent, down to earth, kind and loving man would respond to an ad I posted online.

It was a long, enduring and yet worthwhile of a journey since that post, because seven years later, in 2013- we got married.

I couldn’t believe that was ten years ago; and here we are now renewing our vows witness by the presence of our dear families and friends. The past ten years have been great life experience I share with you and with our fur babies. From the simple joys of walking at the park with them to exploring places we have never been like Patagonia, I am very thankful that I chose to share my life with you.

Our wedding was one of the most beautiful, and unforgettable time of my life. But truly, every day is as beautiful; and they are moments to cherish because I married you, my only love, my soulmate and my best friend. I wouldn’t change a thing from 10 years ago and looking forward to more years to spend with you. I LOVE YOU and Happy 10 years to us!

Bob’s Vow:

Since that wonderful day at Harding Allen Estate in Barre, MA, these 10 years have been the happiest of my life. I have been enriched by learning from you how to not to sweat the little things- or the big things for that matter. I have learned from you that unconditional true love is a partner to share the joys of laughter, the challenges of adversity, but most of all is always there for you. I vow to bring more laughter and joy into your life; i vow to always be by your side no matter what; and I pledge my love and fidelity to you. Thank you for ten wonderful , loving, joyful years I am nothing without you; I am everything with you. You are the fabric of my being. I love you to the moon and back, always.❤️

Once we’re done with the officiation, we headed to the bar for cocktails and canapés were served. Unlike during our wedding where we didn’t have the memory of how was our hors d'oeuvres as we were consumed by photoshoot, this time we have plenty of time mingling and chatting with our families and friends and drinking cocktails and Guinness while candid photoshoot was taking place. It was informal but very relaxing gathering that Bob and I enjoyed.

Then dinner came. I must admit, when Bob and I were going through the selections of menus we were deciding, I knew then that it will be delicious. But what I remembered as I sat down and my selections were served in front of me, the plating was so beautiful that I don’t want to eat them. As I looked around that moment, pretty much all the guests are as delighted as we were.

Bob took the floor for the toast. It was also an opportunity to thank everyone for coming all the way from different parts of the globe and celebrated with us. Guests like Mike, our friend from Massachusetts, and Maureen our friend from Connecticut gave their speeches as well. We all thank them for their presence and their kind words.

The rest of the celebration was consumed by non-stop dancing; I remember how energized I was in every song that comes out of our playlist. It was also fun to see my sisters’ dance moves on the floor, Bob and Rebecca dancing groovy as well as the others. The best part was the line dance while the song “Dancing Queen” was playing. Looking through the pictures, Phil captured the genuine happiness from us and from each of our families and friends’ faces. It was indeed an affair to remember. ❤️