The key to a long, happy marriage might be simpler than anyone thought -- holding hands.
Three couples, married a combined 174 years, pressed their hands together through an entire wedding vow renewal ceremony conducted recently at Presbyterian SeniorCare in Oakmont.
The hand-holding might have helped to keep the couples together. But they also stressed the importance of being willing to compromise.
The Pletchers -- Jim, 72, and Jean, 71 -- are nearing their 49th anniversary.
Dan, 89, and Betty Moore, 82, celebrated their 59th year of marriage in May.
Art, 90, and Eve Pell, 87, recently celebrated 66 years of being married to each other.
The three couples have 11 children and 14 grandchildren among them.
The couples and residents celebrated the occasion with a bridal fashion show, which featured styles from the 1940s to those of today.
The fashion show was a new concept, but vow renewals have been an annual event at Presbyterian SeniorCare for years.
"It was really a magnificent celebration for everyone," communications director Patricia Kornick said.
Couples were able to celebrate not just with residents, but with members of their immediate and extended families.
The event was coordinated through the care center's recreation department, which sets up regular events for residents.
The wedding vow renewal played into residents' sense of community, Kornick says.
"They get together just like people in a neighborhood," she says.
Many members of the staff got in on the fun by modeling wedding wear and supporting the couples.
The Rev. Gerry Sanders, a member of the staff's pastoral care department, oversaw the vow renewal ceremony.
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