Some Iowa couples renew vows at grocery stores

Published On: Feb 11 2013 08:44:17 AM CST
Wedding, engagement rings
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) -

Several dozen Iowa couples have celebrated Valentine's Day early by renewing their wedding vows in ceremonies at three Hy-Vee grocery stores in the Cedar Rapids area.

Hy-Vee store director Jeff Deahr says the vow renewals were a first for his store and said "it's the month of love."

Attended by strangers, friends and families on Saturday, the couples received miniature wedding cakes, sparkling grape juice, bouquets of flowers, picture frames and a chance for a weekend trip.

Cedar Rapids residents Joyce and Chuck Bruggeman have been married for 38 years, but Chuck Bruggeman had a special reason for having their vows renewed. He said, "I'm here for the wedding cake."

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