Montauk Pioneer - February 13, 2009

For the past ten years, Ingrid Lemme, Gurney's Inn Director of Public Relations and Marketing, has created, coordinated and hosted the very popular and loveable "Renew Your Vows Valentine Event." What better person to celebrate love? For it was Ingrid and her husband, Sunshine, who valued their love as a tip-top priority and chose to be married atop the World Trade Center eleven years ago.

This dynamic, charismatic, and charming "love bug" and I recently enjoyed Starbucks coffee and pastries in Café Monte. Ingrid told me past and present stories of this amazing and fascinating celebration, which is also a fundraiser for the Montauk Food Pantry (all renewing couples are asked to give a $10 donation toward this worthy group).

Ingrid received a call a few days ago from a local man who told her that he and his fiance, Christine, didn't want to renew their vows but instead wanted to get married on Valentine's Day. After explaining the event to him he still persisted, "But we have our hearts set on this; what do I have to do to convince you?" "Well," Ingrid laughed, "You could send a donation." Eric and Christine will kick off the celebration with their marriage, Eric sent a $500 donation!

An East Hampton woman who will renew her vows has no idea that her husband plans to slip a diamond ring on her finger when Judge Jim Ketchum takes off her old one; she has never had a diamond ring. And a retired Suffolk County Deputy Sheriff who remarried ten years ago to "the love of my life" has planned to surprise his "bride" with their renewal vows. Knowing nothing about this event, she is planning to just come for the sold out Valentine Dinner! It was exciting to meet East Hampton's Donald and Patricia Schrage whose son, Ryan Schmitter, a veteran, is on staff at Gurney's. This lovely couple will join almost 100 "renewees" and will bring an assortment of guests to share in their festivities.

Adding one of my many, many memorable stories of my all time favorite resort, I told Ingrid how my husband Ed and I spent our first night at Gurney's in the early 1970s on February 14th in an oceanfront, knotty pine paneled room with pink sheets and pink towels. I'll never forget it.

Some couples choose to renew their vows. Some call this a renewal of wedding vows, or a recommitment of love. Whatever it is, love is in the air! Unlike the first event, a 24-hour marathon, with famed local Paul Sidney, broadcasting live from the dining room and where some women wore new wedding gowns or proudly squeezed into their original dresses, today's couples dress casually. Many bring guests, some bring children, others grandchildren. The six hour event clearly will be a monumental love fest.

No doubt this spectacular evening will spark many of the unmarried couples to begin their plans for their wedding day. Perhaps a simple beach ceremony and an elegant cocktail reception under the stars or a lavish customized affair with 250 guests. Everything you want to ask will be answered at the: 4TH ANNUAL BRIDAL SHOWCASE, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. What could be more romantic and meaningful than to be married at Gurney's Inn? Montauk's beautiful, quiet, boundless oasis nestled between a rolling country road and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean has put many on smile on many a face.

As Nick Monte said, "The sea is the origin of life. It is in nature we find ourselves," and if as Shakespeare believed, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give thee, the more I have, for both are infinite," it has become fitting that Gurney's and Weddings are synonymous. It is here that so many couples have chosen to exchange their vows beside Montauk's glorious vast ocean, giving them a connection that will remain in their hearts forever.

The Wedding Team of Phyliss Lomitola, Ginnie Davis and John Ovanessian are the Wedding Planners, a multi-tasked, professional trio whose expertise will guide you from the moment you begin your six-month countdown. Dedicated to your every idea and whim.

For as long as anyone remembers, Gurney's has celebrated thousands of weddings. With about fifty five ceremonies each year, usually in the summer, and with only one wedding for each date, each wedding, regardless of size is one of star-studded attention and perfection.

The fourth annual Bridal Showcase on Saturday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. will display everything you need to plan the wedding of your dreams. Recommended vendors, spa and salon consultants, floral displays, photography exhibits, as well as entertainment and transportation arrangements will be showcased. A Door Prize, lots of exciting giveaways and delicious food will add to this exciting bridal showcase event. What a wonderful effective way to preview all that Gurney's Inn has to offer.