After 49 years, couple says "I do" again
While most people were stuffing turkeys and meal prepping the day before Thanksgiving, one Lutz couple was giving thanks for their 49 years together. In the same holiday red and white color scheme as their first wedding, and complete with bridesmaids and groomsmen, Terry and Grace Hagerman renewed their wedding vows in front of friends and family in the Lutz Senior Center courtyard.
When staff and friends at the senior center got wind of the upcoming anniversary, they quickly went to work planning the wedding reenactment, using the couple's original photo album as their guide. The bridesmaids wore red dresses, and the groomsmen were in classic black tuxedos with red ties.
The bride's brother officiated the ceremony and then serenaded the couple with several songs, one of which he sang at their wedding in 1975.
Both Terry and Grace were born and raised in Tampa. They met in first grade in 1957, then reconnected in 1973 at an adult singles group at Bayshore Baptist Church and, as they say, the rest is history.
The two have been active members of the Lutz Senior Center for several years. "This is a precious part of our lives," Grace said.
As for the secret to a long, happy marriage, Grace said, "Quality time together and quality time apart." She also says you need love and faith to stay together, and remember to forgive each other.
The happy couple said the vow renewal begins the countdown to their golden wedding anniversary.