A couple who've visited Bermuda every year of their 25-year marriage chose it as the perfect spot to renew their wedding vows.

Edward and Eugenia Smith from Long Island, New York, are as much in love with the Island as they are with each other.

Their parents and four sons discovered their private getaway destination for the first time when they flew in for the ceremony at The Reefs on Saturday.

"When we started a family we wanted to get away alone and we fell in love with Bermuda. We continued to come here as our family grew," explained Mr. Smith.

His wife explained that while they've tried other destinations, including Aruba, Jamaica and St. Maarten, they always come back to Bermuda.

"This Island is still the most beautiful of them, it feels like it's home," she said.

The ceremony was officiated by the couple's close friend Dee Martin, a clinical psychologist who has been working on the Island for many years with Bermuda Healthcare Services.

The couple, who run a furniture business, met in high school and were married on August 7, 1983 in Long Island.

Mrs. Smith, 46, said of her husband: "Through all the ups and downs, I married a really good man. He is my best friend and I could not see myself with anyone else."

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith, 47, said: "Eugenia is not only the love of my life but she is, and always will be, there for me. We really love each other but most importantly, we really like each other. When anything happens in any area of my life, I can't wait to share it with her."

The pair danced to their wedding song I Believe in You and Me before tucking into a special dinner at the Newstead, where they have part ownership of a vacation home.