Families visit Longboat Key for vow renewals

Longboat Key’s white-sand beaches and picturesque sunsets combine for the perfect romantic setting, often for weddings and vow renewals. Casa del Mar’s general manager, D.M. Williams, has been performing these rituals a few times a year for more than 25 years.

Florida is one of three states, the others being Maine and South Carolina, where notaries, such as Williams, can perform a marriage ceremony.

Three cousins — Nancy Hadgisaba, John Rissman and Susan Kitzsteiner — brought their spouses for a vacation last week on Longboat Key.

“We love Longboat Key!” says Kitzsteiner. “(It has) great weather, beaches, people, food and (it is) so relaxing.”

The families have been vacationing on Longboat Key for many years. The couples stayed at Casa del Mar and took part in the vow-renewal ceremony June 13.

The trip was to celebrate each of the cousins’ late fathers and to celebrate life.

Jeff and Susan Kitzsteiner

From: Kansas City, Mo.
Married for: 29 years
Secret to marriage: Forgiveness and learning to “let it go.”
How they met: On St. Patrick’s Day at a TV station for which they both worked. 
















John and Annette Rissman

From: Boston
Married for: 38 years
Secret to marriage: Trust, commitment, patience and respect
How they met: When they were 16 at a community center dance.
















Steve and Nancy Hadgisaba

From: Chicago
Married for: 25 years
Secret to marriage: Humor.
How they met: They met at Nancy’s dad’s company golf outing.