Saying 'I do' again 60 years later

A joint celebration was held in the backyard of a seniors centre in Burnaby for two couples who, collectively, have been married for more than a century.

Decades after they married, two couples renew their wedding vows in a joint ceremony at a Burnaby seniors home

Tanya Fletcher CBC News Posted: Aug 24, 2017 12:16 PM EDT | Last Updated: August 25, 2017

Maria and Lorenzo Bordignon and Phyllis and Anthony Grippo raise a toast during the garden ceremony in Burnaby. (Tanya Fletcher / CBC)

Thebackyard of a Burnabyseniors centre was transformed for an afternoon this week for what appeared to be a classic outdoorwedding.

Balloons danced in the summer sky, bunches of pink and white flowers dotted the garden, and clusters of home-made decorations lined the aisle leading up to thealtar.

Flanked by friends, family, and staff from the Normanna Care Facility, two couples repeated 'I do' as the pastor of a local church led a brief servicecomplete with cake, sparkling apple juice, and love songs playing in the background.

But don't be fooled this was no newlywed scene.

It was the second time the two couples Phyllis and Anthony Grippo and Lorenzo and Marie Bordignon have said'I do'.

The first time they spoke thewords was with their marriage vows decades ago. Yesterday they said the same words again as a renewal of thosevows at the special joint ceremony.

Collectively, they have been married a total of 106 years and that's something to celebrate, they say.

Phyllis and Anthony Grippo walk down the aisle once again at the Normanna Care Facility. (Tanya Fletcher / CBC)

Unlikelysoul mates

Phyllis and Anthony Grippo married in 1961.She was from Saskatchewan, he wasborn and raised in the Lower Mainland.

They met at a nightclub in Vancouver and havebeen the best of friends ever since.

"He's funny and goofy. We've always had a lot of fun together," she said, smiling fondly.

"It's a lifetime of good memories that's what it boils down to."

Maria and Lorenzo Bordignon, married for 60 years, are cheered on by family and friends. (Tanya Fletcher / CBC)

Secrets toa successful marriage

So what's the key to a lasting relationship?

"I never complain to her," saidLorenzo Bordignonof his wife, a twinkle in his eye. "He listens to everything I say," Maria laughed.

The two came to Canada from Italy decades ago and have been by each other's sides since then.

On this day, they sit side-by-side in the same matching outfits they wore in Hawaii to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

That was 10 years ago.

Today, they nod to the sign that greets the dozens of guests upon arrival, which reads: "Happily ever after!"

Turns out it is possible after all, seems to be the message on this day.

B.C. seniors renew their vows after decades of marriage

7 years ago

1:46

The pairs re-tied the knot in front of family and friends

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