Couples say 'I do,' again on Valentine's Day inside Van Gogh exhibit on Pittsburgh's North Side
Patti Fleet put on her white gloves on Monday, the same pair she wore the day she married her high school sweetheart, Chuck, on Aug. 26, 1967.
“They are a little tight, but they still fit,” said Patti, 75, of North Huntingdon, before she and Chuck renewed their vows inside The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Pittsburgh at the Lighthouse Artspace Pittsburgh on the North Side. “Laughter is the key to a long, successful marriage.”
She and Chuck, who turned 76 on Monday, were one of 13 married couples to renew their vows on Valentine’s Day. Patti wore a white dress she had bought for their 50th anniversary. The couple, who met at Bishop Canevin High School, have four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (with one on the way).
Over the years, Chuck has had 10 surgeries. Patti said she has always been by his side, even when it’s inside a hospital room.
She made a veil to match her dress and wore a white cape.
“I am so lucky to have her,” Chuck said.
Officiating was personality/comedian/podcaster Jim Krenn, known for decades on the DVE Morning Show on WDVE. The South Side resident thanked the couples for being part of their special day. He knew two of them.
“I am honored,” he said. “Let’s do it again in 10 years. This space is beautiful. Van Gogh was an emotional painter and this was certainly an emotional day.”
The day was about renewing the commitment to each other, said Dolly Rozycki, 69, of Ohio Township, who has been married to Ken, 80, for 18 years. It’s a second marriage for both. The couples enjoyed cake from Oakmont Bakery and a glass of champagne, had their photos taken and received a sunflower bouquet.
It was Ken’s idea to do this when he saw a post on social media, Dolly said. Every year in June on vacation in Punta Cana, the two each draw half a heart in the sand and connect it as they recite their wedding vows.
He lost his first wife to cancer and Dolly, who has been through cancer twice, said she told him early in the relationship that she didn’t want him to experience that again. But he told her he loved her and wanted to be with her. The two each have a daughter and enjoy time with their grandchildren.
Ken said, “If you want to golf, and she wants to go shopping, you go shopping.”
“Ken is wonderful and he has been there through everything,” said Dolly. “I have a gem here. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to do this.”
Valentine’s Day was the 25th anniversary for Rohit and Anju Agrawal from Fox Chapel.
“There is no more romantic of a day than Valentine’s Day,” said Rohit, 49.
The couple, who have three children, clear their schedules so they can spend the entire day together. They said to be able to renew their vows on this milestone year was definitely special.
“We are so grateful to be a part of this,” said Anju, 50. “We love being together on this day, and we have couples whose relationships we aspire to — including our parents. They’ve shown us the power of love.”
Not even married a year, Crystal and Timmothy Bonnes of Findlay brought their 2-year-old English Bulldog, Sir Harley Wyatt, to the ceremony.
The couple wed on May 8, 2021, in Montana, where Timmothy, 42, is from. Harley was to be best man, but flying wasn’t feasible for the dog and they didn’t have time to drive.
They had already experienced the exhibit, which features the works of post-Impressionist van Gogh. Designed by Italian film producer Massimiliano Siccardi, with original music by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi, the show uses more than 70 projectors illuminating 15,000 square feet.
“We were both enthusiastic to do this because this is such a magical place,” said Crystal, 44. “We love it and are so happy Harvey is here with us.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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