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Feb 6, 2006 6:38 pm US/Eastern
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Renewing Wedding Vows Becoming A Popular Tradition
by Natasha Brown
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
This may look like a traditional wedding, but this is not Marybeth and Alex Blackwell's first wedding. They are renewing their vows after two decades of marriage.
"It just really touched me so deeply. I felt as if I was marrying him again."
After ten years of marriage, Tony and Esther Massimini renewed their vows, Vegas style, complete with quirky costumes.
"It gets you to look back and appreciate what you've got together."
Whether fun or fancy, the "I do" "re-do" phenomenon is growing. There are jewelry lines dedicated to the rituals, specialized certificates and even vacation packages.
Relationship expert Diane Sollee says it's not just an excuse to party.
"It's to celebrate the fact that people are having success in their marriage, in spite of the 50% divorce rate."
Psychologist Susan Heitler says people often re-commit after tragedies like 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, serious illness and even financial trouble.
"When there's some kind of difficult issue, a couple may really come together. Renewing the vows essentially says we're a team."
The Blackwell's, once on the brink of divorce, fought their way back.
They said "There's no question that renewing our wedding vows has strengthened our marriage."
For the Massiminis, the ceremony was a way to say they're in it for life.
"Well, if someone puts on a rubber head for you, (laughs) you know, come on, that's commitment."
Experts say wedding vow renewal ceremonies are big business. Vacation resorts around the world cater to couples re-committing. And party planners, just like wedding planners, handle all the details whenever you are ready to say "I do" again.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)