This year, Seven Oaks Resort in Mission honored six couples who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary some time between April 1st of the previous year and the end of March this year. They hold this event annually for their residents.
The program opened with an introduction by the chairperson of the event, Carlene Hemminger, followed by the welcoming of each couple as they walked to the head table. Music was provided by Tommy and Sara Bouland with an opening song of “My Best Friend.”
Then the love story of each couple was read by either Hemminger or Charon Blenkin. The information for the love stories was obtained by asking each member of the couples separately several questions – When and how did you meet? What were your first impressions? What are your memories of the marriage, proposal, honeymoon, etc.?
Since they were answering separately, the stories are often hilarious.
Of course, there were the usual questions too, like how many children, grand and great; significant milestones, trips, bucket list accomplishments, and finally their advice on having successfully accomplished 50 years of marriage.
After each love story was presented, each couple cut their own personal cake and shared it with one another. The individual cakes were beautiful decorated by Melissa Hevel.
At the conclusion of the love stories, and the cake cuttings, Tommy and Sara sang “Remember When.”
All attendees were able to enjoy cake and punch to celebrate their marriage.
Couples honored were Allen and Faye Shannon, Jim and Laurel Gray, Mike and Elvia Kalman, Tom and Carol King, and Wayne and Cindy McGinnis.
While they honored six couples, only five couples were able to attend the Golden Anniversary event. The husband of one couple was unfortunately recovering from a health issue and could not be in attendance.