Renewing vows after sixty years of marriage
Just like Malcolm and Jenny Reid’s love for each other, the cake for their sixtieth wedding anniversary hasn’t changed from what they had sixty years ago to celebrate their union. Photo: Jack Malcolm.
Malcolm and Jenny Reid say the secret to a long-lasting marriage is to always remember it’s a partnership.
The couple celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in front of friends and family last weekend at Club Waimea, having continued a family tradition of decades-long partnerships.
Jenny’s parents were married for almost 70 years, while her brothers celebrated diamond anniversaries after 60 years of marriage.
Married on January 11 1964, at 20 years old, the lovebirds met in a chance encounter when Malcolm was hospitalised for peritonitis and Jenny was his nurse.
Meeting again at a dance a few months later, the pair were thick as thieves and were married at St Thomas’s Church in Motueka just two months later.
With the milestone anniversary comes the congratulations and a gifts table adorned with cards from King Charles and Queen Camilla, Nelson’s mayor and MP, and the Governor General.
And while it might be a diamond celebration, the couple didn’t share any exorbitant gifts.
“I’ve already got all the jewels I want sitting right next to me,” says Malcolm.
His advice to new couples was to never go to bed on an argument and that life always has ups and downs, but not to let it get the best of you.
Jenny advised finding a partner who’s also your best friend.
Despite heart problems which jeopardised her attendance, Jenny held on to celebrate with her loved ones.
“It’s the first time we’ve got all the family together. Three children, seven grandkids and two great-grandkids.”