Randolph Ctr. Couple Renews

In celebration of their 25th anniversary, Kevin and Ellen Doering renewed their wedding vows at a special ceremony at the United Congregational Church in Randolph Center Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2006. Pictured with the couple are their children, Geoffrey and Elissa. (Photo by Michael Rutkovsky)

Vows in Festive Ceremony

By Mim Herwig

Kevin and Ellen Doering renewed their wedding vows at a special ceremony at the United Congregational Church in Randolph Center Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2006.

The Center’s Main Street has not witnessed as elegant a scene for more than a century, when a barouche drawn by two white horses trotted down to the church. Bagpipe music played by Iain Mac Harg greeted the couple, who were celebrating their 25^th anniversary, along with their children, Geoffrey and Elissa. Crowds of friends and relatives from all over the country, and also Ukraine, lined the way as the family alighted.

In the renewal of wedding vows service, Rev. Robert Grahmann, who was at the couple’s original wedding and who now serves in Eastern Europe, officiated and brought the message. The bride was brought down the aisle by her brother from California, Bruce Parr. Michael Hendershot gave the Shehechayanu blessing, and Douglas Doering gave readings from the New Testament. The "Wedding Song" was sung by the bride’s niece Robin Miller, accompanied by Shaun Braun.

The couple lighted remembrance candles for their deceased parents and the bride’s sister, and also the unity candle. After exchanging their vows, they exchanged tokens of love. The closing prayer was by Rev. Jon Vermilion, who had recently returned to the United States from serving in France. Cake and punch were served to the large group, and congratulations filled the air.

The bride was gowned in autumnal peach, while the groom and son wore full dress tuxedos. Elissa, who was the flower girl, wore a white gown trimmed with peach.

After a sudden thundershower struck, family and friends went on to the Three Stallion Inn for an evening celebration, including a full dinner and dancing to standards played by the Will Patton band. The groom had arranged the festivities as a gift to his bride, saying that he would marry her over again and do it in a style that they could not afford back in 1981.

The family returned to their historic home in Randolph Center to entertain wedding guests for a few days. They intend to take their second honeymoon in October, on the island of Barbados, where the groom’s grandmother was born and raised, to conclude the celebration of their silver anniversary.

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