Dennis and Cynthia Henry of Sandside district, St Mary, renewed their wedding vows after 50 years on September 19.

In collaboration with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they invited close to 300 guests to share the occasion in style at the Port Maria Anglican Church Hall. The hall was professionally decorated with white and gold-coloured balloons, ribbons and drapes. Mr Henry is a long-standing member of the Sandside Friends Church and is the visiting pastor for Highgate Friends Church, along with two other Quaker churches in St Mary. Mrs Henry is an elder at Sandside Friends Church. The first time, the wedding took place at the Kirk United Church, also in the capital.

"I am looking for my wife. Has anyone seen her?" shouted Mr Henry, as he walked through the gathering with a cellphone pressed to his left ear. There was an intense happiness in his walk and the way he greeted his friends. He eventually found her outside, still greeting friends while she prepared for her procession.

The organist soon started Here Comes The Bride and the gathering stood and turned to see the aisle lined on both sides with children and grandchildren. Mrs Henry was escorted by Deacon Joslyn Spence, preceded by more grandchildren carrying flowers. Pastor Isaiah Campbell led the renewal of vows, while Rev Donald Williams spoke briefly. He said there were three things he believed made 50 years of marriage possible; 'sticktoitive-ness', trust and humility.

A candle lighting ceremony preceded the unveiling of the cake, a beautiful three-layered, white and pink creation. With some flair, Mrs Henry cut a piece and fed her husband. Even more dramatic, the groom put a piece of cake in his mouth and 'bird fed' his wife to the gathering's delight. The reception then followed (with background keyboard music), while toasts, speeches and songs came lovingly.

To wrap it up, Mr Henry thanked all those present for coming and highlighted the emcee, Ivan Jenkins, who did the same job 50 years ago.