Silver Anniversary Vow Renewal at the Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey celebrates 27 years of love in a lavish ceremony with silver, gold, and ivory colors.
Twenty-seven years ago, a love story started unfolding. On September 10, 2022, that love story is being retold, rekindled, and reshaped.“
– Utterly Elegant Events
Following a whirlwind romance, Lawrence and Elissa Gabrielle Peterson fist tied the knot when they were in their 20s. At the time, they weren’t able to have their dream wedding. Now, 27 years later, they decided to celebrate their silver anniversary, post covid, in a lavish ceremony at The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Their two children even served as their best man and maid of honor.
Renewing their vows in front of their closest friends and family was the perfect way to honor their 27 years of love and wedded bliss. With florals, designs, and event coordination by Utterly Elegant Events and the entire day planned by the bride herself, their silver anniversary was centered around a theme of Black Hollywood Glamour.
Elissa herself exuded the era with a crystal hairpiece, a gown dripping in bling, and a miles-long train. Her second silver reception look with a bold red lip was equally glam! Lawrence’s black-on-black tuxedo and grey tie complemented her ceremony gown before he also changed into a second look: an all-white tux with a silver tie.
Keep scrolling for more photos by J Beauty Photography of their second walk down the aisle, and make sure to check out their wedding trailer from iExclusive Productions below!
- Couple: Lawrence & Elissa Gabrielle Peterson
- Occupations: Lawrence is a Transportation Manager and chef. Elissa is an author, publisher, and doctor of naturopathy.
Quick Facts:
- Date of Vow Renewal: September 10, 2022
- Location: The Grove in Cedar Grove, New Jersey
- Sweet details: They had special songs assigned to their aunts to walk into along with specially assigned songs for their bridal party.
- The wedding theme was two-fold: “I have found the one whom my soul loves” Song of Solomon
- Ceremony entrance/exit song: “You are My friend” sung like Patti LaBelle by Zabrina Dix who is a gospel singer. They walked out as husband and wife (again!) to the club version of the same song.
As you celebrate your anniversary, what do you remember most about your wedding day?
Our wedding day was truly the wedding of our dreams. When we met, it was a whirlwind love affair. We were young and really couldn’t afford the lavish wedding back then when we were twenty years old. Our wedding vow renewal was worth the wait. We could not have asked for a more perfect day.
Was there anything you would have done differently for your wedding?
Nothing. It was phenomenal and the answer to our prayers.
What was your vow renewal like?
Our wedding was spectacular and tailor-made just for us, our love, and the closest people to us. Our wedding was perfect. Because we celebrated our silver anniversary post covid, we wanted our 27-year anniversary to be in silver, gold, and ivory colors. The day was precious from luxurious florals to a stunning bridal party adorned in silver.
Style & attire…
I envisioned myself for the wedding ceremony in a crystal headpiece and wedding hair that was reminiscent of old black Hollywood glamour. I wanted a train that was long and elegant and I wanted to wow my husband as I entered the ceremony.
The details…
We kept most details a secret, even from our wedding party. That made the day even more fun because there were so many surprises. We had both a live band and a DJ. A cocktail hour that kept our guests happily full and satisfied, where they were greeted with our signature drinks and the most exquisite cocktails.
What do you love most about one another?
Lawrence: I love my wife’s fearlessness. She has been through more in her life than most people ever will. But no matter what, she always rises like a phoenix. Her strength is undeniable. In the face of adversity, she remains God’s gift to me and so many.
Elissa: I love my husband’s beautiful heart and soul. He is the epitome of a man with exceptional character. God certainly outdid Himself when he created my husband.
The ceremony…
Do you have any children?
Two children. A son and a daughter. They served as our maid of honor and best man and spoke during the reception. Our son performed a spoken word piece.
What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
We love to travel. We have been traveling for the last 20-plus years. Now that our children are grown, we are able to travel more freely. Some of our favorite travel destinations are Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, cruises to the Caribbean, road trips, and walking the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Who cooks?
I cooked for many, many years throughout our marriage. But I noticed several years ago that my husband was a budding chef. I support him as he strengthens his craft. He really is a wonderful chef now. His creations are delicious and extraordinary. I love to watch him cook. I love to eat his food. He prepares our delicious Sunday meals. We share in the cooking now but over time, I would prefer if he cooks all the time. We are both great cooks so I’m sure a cookbook is in the near future.
When it comes to careers, what do both of you do and how do you make time for each other?
My husband is a Transportation Manager and chef. I am an author, publisher, and doctor of naturopathy. We dedicate our weekends to one another since we work so hard all week long. We also try to travel often and have at least one weekend away per month. Even if it is just a local hotel and a great restaurant, we carve out time weekly and monthly for one another.
What would you say are the most important elements of a successful marriage?
We believe that a successful marriage is made of two people that refuse to give up on one another. We’re friends. We’re lovers. And we’re each other’s safe haven. We have a firm foundation built on love, honor, commitment, and respect. Most importantly, we tune out the noise of the world.
How do you keep the spark in your marriage?
We always remember why we are attracted to one another. Dedicating quality time consistently works for us. I try to surprise him with gifts and I always speak life into his spirit. My husband lets me know that I am his priority. Having one another’s back is very sexy.
Place settings…
Reception Part 1…
My husband and I are truly jazz and hip-hop connoisseurs. We remained true to our love of these two amazing genres of music by making our grand entrance into the reception ballroom to the live band playing “Ante Up” by M.O.P. and “Bring Em Out” by T.I. The guests and our wedding party were amazed.
Reception Part 2…
As we entered once again for the second half of the reception, we had a change of attire. My husband, a white custom couture tuxedo from Henry Couture Paris and I wore a custom couture nude and silver gown along with new makeup, Hollywood waves, and a new crystal headpiece. Upon the second grand entrance, we walked in with the theme song, “Encore” by Jay-Z.
The Cake…
What advice do you have for newlyweds?
Keep small things small. Keep everyone out of your business. Work hard in silence, allow your successful marriage to make the noise. Give your troubles to God and allow God to fight your battles.
Looking for more silver anniversary vow-renewal inspiration?
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Vendors:
- Wedding Planner: Elissa Gabrielle
- Wedding Coordinator: Utterly Elegant Events
- Florals and Design: Utterly Elegant Events
- Photographer & Videographer: J Beauty Photography & iExclusive Productions
- Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup: Exclusive Lengths
- Bride’s Hair and Makeup: HairAtEase Beauty
- Bride’s Ceremony/Wedding & Reception Gown: Fashions by Deanna
- Bride’s Jewelry: Ai & Eva
- Groom’s Reception Suit: Henry Couture Paris
- Master of Ceremonies: A-Diamond Ent.
- Flower Girls Hair and Styling: Kodak Alert
- Bride’s & Groom’s Aunts styling and makeup: Lavish by Armani
- Venue: The Grove New Jersey
- DJ: Pulse Sounds
- Ceremony Songstress: Zabrina Johnson Its Gospel Diva z
- Wedding favors: Your Own Winery
- Live band: A-Diamond Entertainment
- Bride’s Favorite Perfume: Dolce & Gabbana
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