10 couples say 'I do' (again) at LaSalle retirement home

You’re never too old to say ‘I do.’

'If I had the chance to marry her over, I would marry her over again'

CBC News ·
George and Doreen Bisnett have been married for 71 years. They have three children, 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. (Meg Roberts/CBC)

You're never too old to say 'I do.'

That's what George and Doreen Bisnett say — they were one out of ten couples to renew their wedding vows Thursday evening at Seasons Royal Oak retirement home in LaSalle.

"If I had the chance to marry her over, I would marry her over again," said 94-year-old George, who has been married to Doreen for the past 71 years.

The pair stood before the makeshift altar in the dining room of Seasons Royal Oak with several other couples saying 'I do' for the second time in their lives.

Couples wore corsages and held flower bouquets at the ceremony. (Meg Roberts/CBC )

Couples wore corsages and held flower bouquets as Deacon Ron Vermette officiated the ceremony.

Following the ceremony there was cake and music.

"We really want to help our residents do things that are exciting and new and mean something to them," said Niki Mills, the general manager of Seasons Royal Oak Village.

A royal idea

Mills said the idea started when the retirement home was planning events for the royal wedding. Staff thought it would be nice for the couples to get their vows renewed, but later decided to make it a separate event.

Ten couples renewed their vows Thursday evening at a local retirement home. (Meg Roberts/CBC)

For George and Doreen, it was an opportunity to think about what has made a successful 71-years of marriage.

"Pray together and tell each other you love each other everyday and never go to bed angry," said Doreen, clutching her husband's hands.

"It's just been wonderful, being with this girl ... I got the best," George said.

George and Doreen Bisnett and 9 other couples renewed their vows at a LaSalle retirement home. 0:31

Comments

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.