Forty years after the first time,

Carol& Frank

would love you to be there when they say “I do” again

Illustration of Carol and Frank on their wedding day in 1987, seen from behind on the chapel steps after the rain: she in a white dress with puffed sleeves and a long veil, he in a grey morning suit, holding an umbrella over them both
1987
Illustration of Carol and Frank today, seen from behind on a bench under live oaks hung with Spanish moss; her silver hair is pinned up, his arm is around her shoulders
2027

40 years

Forsyth Garden Chapel

Savannah, Georgia

Countdown

Renewal of Vows

185 days until Renewal of Vows

Schedule

  1. 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

    Family Supper

    When
    Friday, May 14, 2027, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT
    Where
    The Marlow Inn — Garden Room214 East Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401
    Attire
    CasualCome as you are.
    Notes
    A simple supper for family and anyone who has traveled in. Shrimp and grits, and a cake from the bakery where Frank bought our first one.
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  1. 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

    Renewal of Vows

    When
    Saturday, May 15, 2027, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM EDT
    Where
    Forsyth Garden Chapel15 Magnolia Square, Savannah, GA 31401
    Attire
    CocktailDress as you would for a garden party. Flat shoes are wise on the lawn.
    Notes
    About 30 minutes. There are seats for everyone, and the chapel is step-free from the Abercorn Street side. Large-print programs at the door.
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  2. 12:15 PM – 3:00 PM

    Garden Lunch

    When
    Saturday, May 15, 2027, 12:15 PM – 3:00 PM EDT
    Where
    Magnolia House22 Magnolia Square, Savannah, GA 31401
    Attire
    CocktailSuits, with or without a tie; knee-length or midi dresses, or dressy jumpsuits.
    Notes
    A short walk across the square, or a ride in the golf cart. Lunch is seated, in the shade, with speeches kept short.
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  3. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

    Evening Dance

    When
    Saturday, May 15, 2027, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
    Where
    Riverside Ballroom at the Harbor Hotel40 River Street, Savannah, GA 31401
    Attire
    CocktailSuits, with or without a tie; knee-length or midi dresses, or dressy jumpsuits.
    Notes
    The band from our wedding has retired, so their nephew is playing the same songs. Plenty of tables for those who would rather listen.
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  1. 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

    Farewell Breakfast

    When
    Sunday, May 16, 2027, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM EDT
    Where
    The Marlow Inn — Garden Room214 East Jones Street, Savannah, GA 31401
    Attire
    CasualWhatever you feel good in. Comfortable shoes are a good idea.
    Notes
    Coffee, biscuits and goodbyes. Drop in whenever suits you.
    Directions to The Marlow Inn — Garden Room (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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Our story

  1. 1985

    We met

    At a Fourth of July picnic on Tybee Island. Frank spilled sweet tea on Carol’s shoes and offered to walk her home to dry them. It was eleven miles.

  2. 1987

    Our wedding day

    May 16, at a little chapel in Charleston. It rained all morning and stopped at noon, just as we came out.

  3. 1990

    Lucy arrived

    Two weeks early and loud from the start.

  4. 1993

    Sam arrived

    Calm, curious, and still the one who fixes everything.

  5. 2002

    Home to Savannah

    A house with a porch swing, two blocks from Forsyth Park. We still live there.

  6. 2019

    Grandparents

    Mabel was born in April. Owen followed two years later, and the porch swing has been busy ever since.

  7. 2027

    Saying it again

    Forty years on, the same two people with a few more laugh lines. We would love you there.

Wedding party

  • Dorothy Kim

    Maid of honor, in 1987 and today

    Carol’s best friend since the second grade. She caught the bouquet and never let us forget it.

  • Walter Greene

    Best man, in 1987 and today

    Frank’s oldest friend, who drove the getaway car with the parking brake on.

  • Lucy Russo-Hale

    Our daughter

    Reading the poem we read the first time.

  • Sam Russo

    Our son

    Walking his mother down the aisle.

  • Mabel and Owen

    Our grandchildren, carrying the rings

    Eight and six, and very serious about it.

Travel & stay

Where to stay

Airports

  • SAV Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport about 20 minutes
  • CHS Charleston International Airport about 2 hours
  • JAX Jacksonville International Airport about 2 hours

Getting around

A shuttle with a step-free ramp runs between both hotels, the chapel and the ballroom all day Saturday, every 20 minutes. If you would like to be picked up from your door in town, tell Lucy and she will arrange it.

Good to know

Mid-May in Savannah is warm: around 85°F by day and 65°F in the evening. Bring a sun hat for the garden and a light layer for the night.

Things to do

  • A trolley tour of the squares You can sit the whole way and hop off where you like.
  • Forsyth Park on Sunday morning The fountain, the farmers market and plenty of benches in the shade.

Gallery

  • Our wedding day, 1987
  • The first house, 1989
  • Lucy and Sam on the porch, 1996
  • Tybee Island, every summer
  • Mabel’s first visit, 2019
  • Still dancing, 2026
Illustration of Carol and Frank on their wedding day in 1987, seen from behind on the chapel steps after the rain: she in a white dress with puffed sleeves and a long veil, he in a grey morning suit, holding an umbrella over them both
Photo 1 of 6 Our wedding day, 1987

RSVP

Kindly reply by April 9, 2027

For a copy of your reply and a link to change it.

Family Supper Friday, May 14, 2027, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Renewal of Vows Saturday, May 15, 2027, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Garden Lunch Saturday, May 15, 2027, 12:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Evening Dance Saturday, May 15, 2027, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
How many in your party, including you?

  1. 1 You

  2. Leave empty if not coming

Questions

Of course. Call or text our daughter Lucy at (912) 555-0148 any day before April 9, and she will fill in the form for you. Or use the “Call us” button at the bottom of this page.

Yes. The chapel, the garden lunch and the ballroom are all step-free, with accessible restrooms. There are seats for everyone at every event, and a quiet room at the lunch if you need a rest.

Something comfortable you would wear to a garden party. Flat shoes are a good idea on the lawn.

Yes, at every event. Our grandchildren will be glad of the company.

No gifts, please. We have everything we need, and you being there is the gift.

Yes. There are reserved spaces beside the chapel for anyone with a disability badge, and a free lot on Gaston Street. The shuttle stops at both.