Larkins renew wedding vows in Ireland

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Lil and Joe Larkin celebrated their 50 years of marriage in a fairtale setting in County Sligo, Ireland. The couple wed May 5, 1956 and are the parents of a daughter, Patti.

Beautiful Markree Castle in County Sligo, Ireland was the fairytale setting for the 50th wedding anniversary celebration of Lil and Joe Larkin of San Diego, Calif. The Larkins honored their half century of marriage by renewing their wedding vows in a lovely and unique ceremony held in the family chapel of the castle. The Larkin?s only child, Patti, surprised her parents with the trip, ceremony and a week in Ireland as a gift.

Due to the anniversary date of May 5 falling on Beltane, which is the ancient Celtic May Day, a Druid ceremony was conducted. The Arch Druid of Ireland, Con Connor, performed the ceremony, with the assistance of his partner, Niamh. Both were dressed in 15th century Celtic Druid robes.

The castle chapel was decorated throughout with hawthorn and mayflowers, with the path to the altar outlined with large, low candles interspersed with hawthorne and may. Two sets of triple candles were placed on a table on the altar. Seated nearby, attired in a beautiful Celtic gown, was Irish harpits Madeleine Doherty, who wove a gentle tapestry of Celtic music throughout the ceremony.

Mr. Larkin and his attendant, Brian Lister of Sligo, entered first. A ceremonial Celtic sword was handed to him, point down.

Patti, her mother?s attendant, entered wearing a lovely two piece dress of soft sage green with a pattern of lavender flowers. It was complimented by a short matching jacket with crystal buttons.

Mrs. Larkin walked down the candlelit aisle in a beautiful floor length gown of champagne silk crepe. Her gown, cut straight across the bodice with straps was fitted to the waistline and flared into an A-line skirt which was full around the hem. She wore a matching jacket dusted with opaque taupe beadwork. Her bouquet of roses of Shannon, ivory tulips, heather, hypericum berries and greenery complimented the ensemble. Upon her arrival to the altar, the triple candles were lit to start the ceremony.

Both attendants presented moving tributes to the bridal couple, with Arch Druid Connor remembering those who have passed on. He then presented thoughts on the meaning of a Celtic Marriage and Handfasting and then blessed Mr. and Mrs. Larkin individually.

Following the ceremony, Patti hosted a dinner party for the wedding guests in the elegant castle dining room. A fondant covered anniversary cake, decorated with gold lettering, was nestled on a base covered with gold chiffon ribbon. Additionally, the castle chef gifted the couple with a traditional decorated fruit cake celebrating their occasion.

The following day, the Larkins left for Dublin where they celebrated Mrs. Larkin?s 69th birthday. She is the daughter of the late Barton and Lorelle Ware of Warren County.