Couples Renew Vows at Suburban Senior Living Community

Residents celebrate decades-long marriages with ceremony and reception

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dozen couples with an average of 64 years of marriage renewed their vows at a senior living community in Lake Barrington, Illinois. The ceremony featured an aisle adorned with flowers and tulle, a pastor to preside over the vows, live music, cake, and champagne. The event was timed to coincide with Valentine's Day.

Why it matters

The vow renewal ceremony highlights the enduring love and commitment of long-married couples, providing inspiration and hope for younger generations. It also showcases the vibrant community life at the senior living facility, where residents can celebrate milestones and build connections.

The details

The couples ranged in marriage length from 57 to 77 years, with the longest-married couple being Walter and Nancy Dobbs, who tied the knot 77 years ago. The ceremony included personal vows, a reception with live music, cake, and champagne. Residents George and Angela Schneider, who met as college students and have been married for nearly 60 years, said they renew their vows in some way every day, keeping the same promise they made to each other decades ago.

  • The vow renewal ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The Schneiders were married in 1966.

The players

George Schneider

A resident of the senior living community who has been married to his wife Angela for nearly 60 years.

Angela Schneider

George Schneider's wife, who has been married to him for nearly 60 years.

Walter Dobbs

The resident with the longest marriage at the vow renewal ceremony, having been married to his wife Nancy for 77 years.

Nancy Dobbs

Walter Dobbs' wife, who has been married to him for 77 years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We basically renew our vows every day. Every day.”

— George Schneider (nbcchicago.com)

“The important thing is to communicate, don't hold things in... and never lie.”

— George Schneider (nbcchicago.com)

“It's not where you came from, but it's if you're going together in the same direction.”

— Angela Schneider (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The senior living community plans to make the vow renewal ceremony an annual Valentine's Day tradition, allowing more long-married couples to celebrate their love and commitment.

The takeaway

The vow renewal ceremony at the Lake Barrington senior living community demonstrates that true love and partnership can endure for decades, even as the world around us changes. The event provides inspiration for younger generations and highlights the importance of open communication, mutual respect, and shared values in maintaining a lasting marriage.