Valentine vow renewals give marriage a ringing endorsement

This Valentine's Day, longtime married couples, Anne and Allan Schmid and Rita and Donald Mathews, will help promote Cupid's cause with an inspirational endorsement of marriage in a time when only about 1 in 4 millennials wed.

While marriage grows less popular today, both couples-with a combined 127 years of marriage-wholeheartedly support the tradition and are ready to say, "I do!" again publicly to their respective spouses at the following event:

Valentine's Vow Renewal Ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Alexian Village, 975 Martha St., Elk Grove Village.

The Rev. Laurie Geschrey, director of VIVA! Legacy for Pathway to Living, will officiate the ceremony at the senior living community, where the public is invited to join the couple's family members, friends, neighbors and team members to witness the happy day.

"The wedding planning is in full swing with red rose corsages and boutonnieres ordered and the entertainment booked," said Alexian Village Community Life Coordinator Andi Rothenberg. There will be two custom wedding cakes, white with lemon for Mr. and Mrs. Schmid and carrot for Mr. and Mrs. Mathews. The Mathews' first dance will be to "The Anniversary Song," which features lyrics perfectly suited for the couple reaffirming their wedding vows after 67 years, "Could we but recall that sweet moment sublime; We'd find that our love is unaltered by time."

So, are the charming song lyrics and vow renewals enough to make marriage more appealing to millennials? Cupid only knows.

Owned and operated by Pathway to Living, Alexian Village is a supportive living community offering award-winning VIVA! programming and wellness care, quality residential accommodations, amenities and support services at affordable prices. For more information, visit www.Pathwaytoliving.com or call 847-437-8070.