Married couples who want to say, "I still do" can do just that at an event next weekend.

The theme 'I Still Do' re-establishes the marriage vows and thus serves as a reminder of that momentous day when couples said 'I Do', said "Heart-to-Heart" Couples' Mentoring Ministries Allan and Mildred Hunt, who are the organisers of the Gala Celebration of Marriage Banquet, which takes place next Friday February 10 at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.

"It helps to confirm after a long or short period of marriage that it is still paramount to affirm 'I Still Do'."

The speakers are: Detroy and Saadia Bean, founders and co-directors of The Family Intimacy Center; Pastor Ernest Peets Jr. who is pastor of the First Church of The Nazarene; Pastor Lloyd Duncan, who is the pastor of Greater Smith Hill New Testament Church of God; Pastor Eversley Lewis, who is the marriage counsellor at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship; and Apostle Jimmie and Pastor Maybelle Denwiddie, who are pastors and counsellors at the New Creation Worship Center.

Along with the talks, there will be light life situation comedy by two members of "Heart-to-Heart" Couples' Mentoring Ministries, live music will be provided by the Bermuda School of Music and romantic love songs will be played throughout the evening, there will also be a performance of a song written by one of the "Heart-to-Heart" members, also a Marriage Covenant will be taken to serve as a reminder of this gala event.

They said there will also be a photo session for each couple by photographer Art Simons.

Internationally, World Marriage Day is celebrated on February 12 and Heart to Heart organisers are hoping that people will celebrate that day in the church or worship centre of their choice.

The speakers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in marriage counselling, said Mrs. Hunt.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bean, who have been married for 28 years, offer counselling to individuals and families on a daily basis," she said.

"They are committed to the healing and restoration of relationships, in so much they are planning to be at the Grotto Bay Hotel with couples next weekend. Their telephone motto is 'Life is a journey not a destination'.

"Pastor Ernest Peets Jr. has a marriage ministry that is affiliated with the Denis Rainey's International Family Life and Home Builders of Small Groups. He has been married to his wife Julie for nine years. It will be 20 years in June that Pastor Lloyd Duncan and his wife Dr. Shanda Duncan have been married.

"He considers his role in life as it pertains to marriage in a biblical and Godly model of a husband in his home, in the community, to his parishioners, and to the community at large.

"Pastor Eversley Lewis has been married to Marchelle for the past ten years. Not only will they be celebrating marriage at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel but, also at the Aquarium on the following week.

"Apostle Jimmie and Pastor Maybelle Denwiddie have been married for 31 years and feel it is vital not to point the finger, but rather try to understand situations from their mate's perspective. They also consider 'willingness to work at marriage and teamwork'."

The "Heart-to-Heart" Couples' Mentoring Ministries aims to help put the institution of marriage in its right perspective of honour and respect which spells love.

"That is why we are highlighting the 'Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman in conjunction with their theme 'I Still Do'," said Mrs. Hunt. "We believe that if a couple applies the five love languages to their relationship, they will experience the benefits and thus turn a good marriage into a great marriage.

"Hopefully couples will come to the banquet and rediscover that jubilance that was present on their wedding day and learn some keys to a loving and lasting relationship."

Gala Celebration of Marriage Banquet tickets are $190 per couple. Tickets are available from "Heart-to-Heart" Couples' Mentoring Ministries members 293-2903, Fax 293-2975 or email: almilnorthrock.bm.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Also patrons can stay at the hotel for a special rate of $119 per couple. To find out more information about World Marriage Day visit www.wmd.wwme.org.