Barbara and Jay's 20th Wedding Renewal
Back in 1998…
Barbara wanted to have a small dinner party, but she did not realize at that time it would change the rest of her life. Her friends invited a man named Jay to dinner and, “our lives were forever bonded from that night forward”. She was attracted to his attentiveness, social side, wanting to help pour wine, conversation, and all around “such a nice guy”. Jay was attracted to her interest in what he was saying, listening, and paying him attention.
Their 1st date…
was not for another month (March 21st) because of their schedules kept getting in the way, but they had regular phone conversation throughout the month. Finally, they met again at McCormick and Schmidt’s Steakhouse in Washington DC.
Three years later…
Barbara and Jay married on April 22, 2001 at St. Lafayette Square, Washington DC, were they were long time members.
Barbara and Jay…
“thrived on city life”, and spend time together going to museums, theater and concerts. They are also both avid travelers, (stateside and overseas) with Jay being a great destination planner of the two. They love to travel with friends or just the two of them. Their favorite travel destination was their European River Cruise in 2017, which visited several beautiful countries.
Barbara and Jay…
both retired in 2018 from their own company, House to Home Relocation, which they owned for nine-plus years. House to Home Relocation “helped the elder population transition between residences, locally and nationally”. Before they started their business, they “had a long time in the military and federal careers, earning retirement from that public service”.
Now that they have retired…
they love to entertain their friends at their house, deliver meals to the elderly, going to church, going to outdoor festivals, walking around St. Pete, as well as exploring “Old Florida”. Jay leads a Sunday morning usher team that Barbara is a part of at Episcopal Cathedral. This where they decided would be the perfect place to renew their vows, 20 years later. “We wanted to do something very special as the best gift to give to one another.” “We like to say, ‘Same Day, Same Time, Different City, 20 years later’”.
This is where…
I met Barbara and Jay for the first time after Barbara sent an email at 3:30 in the morning, looking for a photographer to capture “a last minute Sunkissed Moment”. After meeting their friends, they said, “Just like Barbara, always working”. On April 22, 2021 Barbara and Jay renewed their vows to each other “because we were committed to “We Do…. Again”.
Barbara and Jay…
were surrounded by family, friends, and friends so close they are like family. Everyone was sharing how they met them, from; Porch Parties, Panama, Neighbors, Cruise Friends, best friend for over 40 years, and so much more.
Everyone went around…
the room also sharing something that no one knew about them; wanting to move to Iran, Blackjack dealer, bartender in Georgia or Alabama, not knowing what their birth name was, playing tennis with Jimmy Buffett, served a beer by Jimmy Buffett, parting with Aerosmith, spending the weekend with Barry Manilow, and “sleeping together”.
They had amazing…
food from The Fresh Connection, a private bartender named Claire, pianist Don Korb Sr. and even their long-time mailman stopped by to help celebrate.
What makes your relationship work for so long?
They say, “Our love and commitment. To one another (2nd marriage for both), and our interest in each other’s wellbeing every day. We remember and celebrate our birthdays and other special anniversaries.”
Cheers to Barbara and Jay!!!
“To a Couple Who Knows the True Meaning of “I Do”
There was a time when being married for a lifetime
Was the rule, not the exception.
Today, too many couples believe “I do”
Means until times are tough,
They grow tired and impatient
With each other,
Or until they find somebody better.
Couples who reach the milestone
Of each anniversary know better.
They know “I Do” means honoring
Each other even when
They don’t understand each other.
It means respecting each other even when their opinions differ.
It means entrusting each other with their hearts, dreams and lives.
It means holding tight when grief,
Illness, or worry threatens to pull them apart.
It means fighting with fortitude
To stay together during life’s most difficult times.
Perhaps most important of all,
It means pledging to be
Dearest friends
All the days of their lives.
By Lisa Crofton.
