20 Touching Images of a Couple Celebrating 70 Years of Marriage Remind Us of the Power of Love

Love is a beautiful journey many of us yearn for, hoping to find that perfect person to share our lives with. It’s that special someone we can lean on during tough times, bring a cup of coffee to, and watch the sunrise together. It’s like having a companion, someone to enjoy and occasionally get annoyed with when they can’t seem to keep their socks off the floor. While I may have resigned myself to a life surrounded by five cats, stories like the one I’m about to share fill me with the hope that true love can withstand the test of time.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

Meet Melvin and Nancy Lubbers, a wonderful couple recently celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Despite the passing years, their love continues to bloom as strongly as it did in their early days. The story of their enduring bond is a testament to love’s power.

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To commemorate this extraordinary milestone, their youngest granddaughter, a professional wedding photographer Anna Behning, came up with a wonderful idea. She decided to capture the essence of their love in a series of celebratory photographs and share their inspiring story with the world.

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When they were teenagers, Melvin and Nancy met at a nearby roller skating rink in Mitchell, South Dakota. There was an evident chemistry between them that night. However, it’s still uncertain if it was love at first sight. Whether it had anything to do with the rollerblades or not, they “certainly were ‘falling’ for each other that night,” as Anna fondly recollects. The puns are a really fun touch!

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

After their initial encounter, Melvin wasted no time expressing his love and devotion. Soon after their eyes locked, he knelt on one knee and proposed to Nancy at the town’s ballpark. Overwhelmed with joy, Nancy happily accepted his heartfelt proposal. Melvin, known for his playful nature, would often joke about buying their wedding rings from a gumball machine, even though they were purchased from Knodel Jewelry.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

On January 6, 1952, the young lovebirds exchanged vows at the First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, South Dakota. Their wedding ceremony was beautiful and intimate, followed by a light lunch, cake, and ice cream in the church’s reception hall. Nancy, radiant in her original wedding dress, which she had preserved all these years, adorned herself with a bouquet of red roses. It was a day filled with love and cherished memories.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

The recently taken celebratory photographs encapsulated the essence of Melvin and Nancy’s enduring love. The session took place in their family garden, and the joy on their faces was evident in every frame. The talented photographer and their beloved granddaughter, Anna, aimed to create a visual journey through time. She wanted to give her grandparents the gift of reliving their special day by capturing Nancy in her wedding dress and Melvin in his Korean War Army suit, which had been found by Anna’s mother, Melissa.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

Even after 70 years of marriage, the love between Melvin and Nancy remains as strong as ever. Nancy expressed her excitement about wearing her cherished wedding dress again, stating, “It felt really good to wear [the dress] again, and we had fun reminiscing about our wedding day. The photoshoot was quite enjoyable.” Melvin couldn’t help but gaze adoringly at his beloved wife, remarking, “Oh BOY, that brought back memories—they were good memories.”

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

When asked about her fondest memories with her grandparents, Anna shared the joyous moments they spent together. As the closest grandchildren, they were fortunate to have their grandparents attend many of their extracurricular activities. However, their favorite memories were the summer camping trips, where they sat around campfires, swam in pools or lakes, and enjoyed each other’s company. These precious moments remain etched in Anna’s heart.

The early days of Melvin and Nancy’s marriage were challenging. Shortly after their wedding, Melvin enlisted in the army and was required to undergo four months of basic training. They had a brief togetherness following his return before Melvin was sent to Japan for further training. However, fate had other plans, and Melvin spent eight months fighting in the Korean War in North and South Korea, serving as a Sergeant and tank commander.

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Through the ups and downs, Melvin and Nancy discovered the secret ingredients for a long-lasting and fulfilling marriage. According to Nancy, respect and love should always prevail, even during disagreements. She emphasized the importance of forgiveness and making the best of every moment together. Melvin added that open communication is vital: “You won’t always agree, but when you have a disagreement, sit down and talk about it.” It’s worth noting that once a solution has been reached, it should be kept from being brought up again.

Their granddaughter, Anna, believes Melvin and Nancy’s ability to forgive and forget played a significant role in their enduring marriage. They also emphasized having God at the center of their relationship and parenting. Anna looks up to their unwavering faith and hopes to incorporate the same values into her marriage. As a wedding photographer, she attests that how couples treat each other on their wedding day often indicates their future success. Selfless love and prioritizing the other person over oneself can pave the way for a lifelong partnership.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

Maintaining a long and successful marriage is like sailing a ship through uncharted waters. Some days bring calm seas and sunshine, while others present stormy challenges that can be difficult to navigate. It’s essential to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that love doesn’t become a source of pain or personal sacrifice. As we explore the dynamics of modern relationships, it’s interesting to consider the changing perceptions of marriage. Today, individuals seek personal happiness and fulfillment in their unions, whereas in the past, marriage was primarily seen as a societal expectation.

According to couples celebrating over twenty-five years of marriage, three key points summarize their success: maintaining peace, continuous growth, and sharing laughter. Melvin and Nancy still have their moments of bickering—Melvin gets frustrated with Nancy’s soft-spoken manner, while Nancy gets agitated by Melvin’s teasing. Yet, through it all, their love remains unwavering. They have mastered the art of finding joy in each other’s company.

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When asked about her grandparents’ legacy, Anna fondly remembers her grandmother’s ability to converse with anyone about anything, as well as her famous potato salad. As for her grandpa, she admires his unwavering commitment to service. Not only did he serve his country, but he also dedicated himself to his family, community, and friendships. Despite his stubborn nature, he possesses a heart full of warmth and affection.

In a society where a marriage lasts an average of over eight years in the United States, Melvin and Nancy’s 70-year journey is an extraordinary testament to their enduring love and commitment. They have faced numerous trials, from the challenges of war to life’s everyday ups and downs. Yet, through communication, respect, forgiveness, and unwavering love, they have built a lifelong bond that inspires others.

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

_{Image credits: anna.behning}

Their story serves as a reminder that successful marriages require effort, dedication, and a willingness to weather the storms together. Melvin and Nancy have shown us that love knows no boundaries and that true companionship can withstand the test of time. As we celebrate their remarkable 70-year milestone, let their story serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all embarking on their journey of love and marriage.

More info: Anna Behning | Instagram

Via: [boredpanda]