Bartlett couple renew vows after more than 60 years of marriage

With lace draped around her head and a bouquet of pink and purple flowers in hand, the bride made an entrance that brought a smile to all her friends' faces.

But this wasn't Helen Polich's wedding day.

Instead of walking down an aisle, she led Art, her groom — actually, husband of almost 62 years — to a set of chairs at the front of a festively decorated room at the Victory Centre of Bartlett.

Together, they renewed their vows Tuesday, on the most love-filled day of the year.

Laurie Geschrey, the Centre's executive director, ministered the event, which she leads annually for residents at the supported living and senior apartment community.

“I think it's just a beautiful thing,” she said, noting that some of the Centre's other gatherings, like memorials, are sad. “This is one that's joyful.”

Surrounded by bright garland, balloons and wreaths adorned with hearts, about 25 of the Polichs' neighbors listened and laughed as Geschrey described love and marriage.

“May your choice to renew your vows help you to continue a long history of respect and affection for one another,” Geschrey said as church-like music played.

When asked the line “Do you take this woman ...?” Art joked, “Let me think about it for a minute.” On her turn, Helen looked up at the minister and said, “Do I have a second choice?”

After they were given a bright pink vow renewal certificate the couple cut a cake and shared it with their guests while the Centre's community life manager Rose Simone told retirement jokes.

Everyone also sang to Art, as it happened to be his 85th birthday.

Art and Helen were married on April 15, 1950 at St. Odillo Parish in Berwyn.

“It was raining, but we heard rain brings happiness and I guess it does because we're here,” Helen said with a smile.

Because her sister had a big wedding a year earlier, Helen and Art had a smaller ceremony, with the reception at her parents' house. Helen was 19, Art was 23.

“It was very nice,” she said,

The couple eventually moved from Berwyn to Streamwood, where they lived for 49 years. They had four children together, two boys and two girls.

They moved into the Victory Centre almost four years ago, and Helen said every year they have renewed their vows on Valentine's Day.

“Being married to her I should renew them every month,” Art said to the laughter of their friends.