LIFE AT THE COTTAGE

Friday, August 26, 2011

An Enduring Love


MOM & DAD'S WEDDING/ANNIVERSARY CAKE

Today is a very special day!
For on this day—fifty-six years ago—my precious parents were wed.

MOM & DAD ON THEIR HONEYMOON IN 1955

They were merely teenagers when they made the decision to become
husband and wife.

With the consent and blessings of their parents, they committed their lives to one
 another before a justice of the peace—no fanfare, no elaborate wedding... 
just the two of them and two witnesses.


Now while most people consider the fiftieth wedding anniversary the anniversary
to celebrate, last year will most likely be the one most remembered by 
my parents and their loved ones.

It all started when my dad decided to surprise my mom with the church wedding
 she had never had, as a fifty-fifth anniversary gift.  It was to be
a simple affair
the two of them, their children and their children's families.

Simple...
with five daughters?  I don't think so!

THE PASTOR, DAD, DAD'S BROTHER & BEST MAN

So while Mom and Dad were making plans for their simple wedding & anniversary
celebration, other plans were being made, as well.

MOM & DAD EXCHANGING VOWS

Without their knowledge, extended family members, friends, and acquaintances
were being invited to this blessed event.  And arrangements were being made for a
catered reception—something neither of them had planned for...
nor expected.

DAD KISSING HIS BRIDE OF 55 YEARS

The ceremony was incredibly sweet, and few eyes were without tears, as we witnessed
yet another testimonial of the enduring love
of my parents.

THE HAPPY BRIDE & GROOM

As I watched my dad take the hand of his bride and walk down the aisle, I was
overcome with emotion.

With five daughters, he certainly was no novice at walking brides
down church aisles.

But...
 this was the very first time he had ever walked his own bride down the aisle.
And I was blessed beyond measure to witness it!

I love you, Mom and Dad!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

27 comments:

  1. Oh Liz, this is just too special! I'm sure there wasn't a dry eye in the entire church. What a wonderful thing for all of you to do for your parents. This is such an inspiration and they certainly are a good looking couple even after all these years.

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  2. That is so completely awesome, I had to read it to my teen daughter. We were both so blessed! But we want pix from the reception!!! Hugs to your mom and dad!

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  3. awww...this is the post of the day! What a tremendous blessing...GOD is good!
    Rene

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  4. Awww, this is so sweet. What a special day you planned for your parents anniversary!!

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  5. Such a wonderful moment for all to witness and share! Sweet post!

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  6. This is wonderful, wonderful!!!

    Nice weekend:)

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  7. So wonderful I love the smiles on their faces
    congratulations so romantic too
    xxoo
    Pam

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  8. This made me teary eyed...what a blessing and shining example for you and your sisters. The photo of them on the beach is a TREASURE~

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  9. Oh my how sweet! Made me a little teary. How wonderful for you to have parents still so deeply in love with each other.

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  10. That was beautiful! What a lovely couple your parents are and such an example of a loving and enduring marriage.

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  11. Liz, hello...

    Thank you for your very sweet comments today. I'm so glad you came by to visit me.

    This tribute to your parents is absolutely precious. The cake is beautiful! And the story of your parents was so delightfully poignant. The perfect photo of them on their honeymoon is such a delight to witness. It looks like an ad for Ralph Lauren perfume.

    Their wedding must have been a wonderful thing to witness. You described everything so well. Congratulations to them, and many more anniversaries to come.

    Have a glorious day,
    Marianne

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  12. Oh my goodness that is so sweet. What a wonderful surprise for them. They look like a very happy couple who must be so proud to have daughters who would do that for them. Shannon

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  13. Such a precious day I know this was. What a wonderful gift your parents have given you with there love for each other.

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  14. I'm a newlywed and this wonderful post made me want to cry happy tears! New follower from the creative hop!

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  15. You made me cry! How wonderful, we should always celebrate such amazing love!! Congratulations to your lovely parents! xx

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  16. What a wonderful celebration of enduring love and commitment! Congrats to your parents and thanks for sharing such a moving tribute to them.
    They are adorable. And the honeymoon photograph would be a large framed canvas in my house...it's so beautiful!

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  17. What a beautiful post! It's people like your parents that give me hope to have something even close to as special as that. Congratulations to your parents!

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  18. What a wonderful surprise I am sure they were so happy to enjoy this wonderful event.
    thank you for stopping by and commenting on Becky Janes guest post. I hope you have a great week.

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  19. What a beautiful experience! Thank you for sharing- they are an inspiration!
    Kerry at housetalkn.blogspot.com

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  20. Lovely couple...so special and that cake is beautiful. You took some very good pictures!

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  21. Liz, this is so special. My sweet hubby and I have been married fifty-three years. We also married as teens. Didn't know what we were doing but we loved each other and yes, remained committed.
    Thanks for sharing your sweet parents special day. It sure made my day.
    Ginger

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  22. Oh, I love to see a true love last. The black and white photo is so special. There is nothing more beautiful to me than a black and white photo.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  23. That is so precious; Happy Anniversary to your parents.

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  24. I'm sure with five daughters the tears were flowing and the hearts almost bursting. This is great! A lovely time for your family, one that will always be remembered. Congratulations to your lucky parents.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  25. how inspiring. together for more than half a century. wishing them much love and joy

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  26. What a beautiful story of love.
    Thsnk you for sharing what true love is.

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to comment.