Irma Lemus
MEDIA DISTRICT WEST-- The eyes, they were the first things Jack Fife
noticed when he met Barbara, the woman that would become his wife.
Forty-nine years later Fife still loves those eyes.
Sunday, the Reseda residents will join a dozen other couples in
renewing their wedding vows at the Burbank Church of Religious Science.
The church will host the annual St. Valentine's Day ceremony of
recommitment.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for couples to profess their love all
over again," said the Rev. Marlene Morris, who will officiate the
ceremony. She said the church has provided the service to the community
for about 13 years.
Couples who want to renew their vows do not need to be members of the
church to participate. The nondenominational ceremony celebrates the
romance and commitment of not only traditional couples but also gay and
lesbian couples, Morris said.
MAYBE THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN INSERT THE GRAPH ABOUT DOING THIS AMID
TALK OF PROP 22 ON THE BALLOT.
Fife, 71, said he met his wife in high school. Marriage hasn't always
been easy but it's been a worthwhile journey, he said.
"We've had a lot of problems - raising a son that is handicapped.
There is a lot of tension," Fife said.
The secret to having a healthy marriage, Fife said, is communication.
"There are a lot of couples that just give up. We always talked out
our problems. That's why we're still together."
Dorothy Wagoner would agree. The 81-year-old Burbank resident and her
husband John have been married for 53 years. She said an open
relationship is the key to happiness.
"We've stuck it out this long because we love each other and respect
each other," said Wagoner, who will march down the aisle for the fifth
time. Wagoner said she and her husband have renewed their vows at the
Burbank church for the past four years.
She said the ceremony is similar to a wedding ceremony with couples
wearing their wedding attire. After the ceremony the couples will receive
a certificate and a reception will be held at the church.
"This is the most romantic way I know of to celebrate Valentine's
Day," Morris said.
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If You Go:
Who: Couples who would like to renew their marriage or commitment
vows.
When: Sunday at 3 p.m.
Where: The Burbank Church of Religious Science, 260 N. Pass Ave.
Details: There is no charge to participate. To reserve a space, call
848-4158.
