Judy Brandon cried almost five decades ago when she married her sweetheart John at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wisconsin.

“It’s been 50 years, I can’t believe I cried again,” she said as she wiped her eyes Monday morning.

The couple was among a handful of lovebirds renewing their wedding vows in celebration of Valentine’s Day on Monday at Dawson County’s historic courthouse.

“Our first wedding was just his family, and now it’s our friends and our daughter,” she said.

Her husband said the words “in sickness and in health” take on a whole new meaning after 50 years of marriage.

“As you get older, you’ve been through a few things. Every marriage goes through things, and so it takes commitment to make [it] 50 years,” John Brandon said.

Chief Magistrate Judge Lisa Thurmond began officiating free wedding and vow renewal ceremonies three years ago for those wanting to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day.

Thurmond, who attends church with the Brandons, said she was excited to be a part of their special day.

“I’m so happy I got to perform the ceremony,“ she said.