"Love in the Air" at Oyster Bay Valentine's Marriage Vow Renewals

By Sophia Ancona

Love was certainly in the air this past Friday, February 13th, as Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino played Cupid to several dozen couples who came to renew their marriage vows.

The event at Oyster Bay Town Hall has become a wonderful tradition, where many couples gather for the Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony hosted by town supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. 

This heartwarming event welcomed couples ranging from newlyweds to those married for many decades.

The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Raynham Hall Museum, and offered married town residents the opportunity to reaffirm their love and commitment to one another just before Valentine's Day through a wedding vow renewal.

"This is the most romantic day of the year !” stated Saladino, as blushing wives and proud husbands gathered to re-exclaim their feelings of love and commitment to each other.

The ceremony included a reading of “America’s First Valentine,” a love poem originally written in Oyster Bay dating back to February 14th, 1779, during the time of the American Revolution. 

This touching poem reminded locals that love and romance have always been a part of this town - and the nation's - history.

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to refreshments while they shared stories, laughs, and memories of their journeys in marriage.

The heartwarming celebration reminded residents of a timeless message just ahead of Valentine's weekend: true love is always worth celebrating!

After a love-filled morning, this definitely feels like a tradition where Oyster Bay residents will be saying “I do” to every year.