An Australian couple tied the knot this weekend, 60 years after they first got engaged, proving that love never truly dies.
Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, first met in 1957 at a Brisbane-based teachers training college and within two years they became engaged. At the time, however, the marriage was not meant to be. In 1959, Tom started a teaching job in Beaudesert, Queensland while Judith moved back home to Redcliffe, Brisbane with the intention of them getting married and starting their life there. Her family, however, were not supportive of the engagement.
“I thought ‘this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit’, but at home it was really difficult,” Judith told ABC news.
“Mum didn’t want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me.”
Familial pressure turned out to be too much for Judith, causing her to move to New Zealand where she began teaching, got married and raised seven children.
“She just disappeared,” Tom said. “I didn’t know where she was; I couldn’t find her anywhere in Australia. I thought she was dead.”
Tom kept the engagement and wedding rings, placing it in a wooden cabinet for safe keeping, They would remain in this cabinet for 60 years.
Tom also moved on. He eventually moved back to central Queensland, married a fellow teacher, and raised four girls.
Despite moving on, however, Tom never lost hope that he and Judith would be reunited. He would search for her at every one of their University’s reunions, but she never attended them. He gave up, eventually, and stopped seeking her out. He was then surprised to find that she was at the 50 year reunion, and immediately called her.
The pair reunited in 2009 at another reunion, but despite keeping in touch through Christmas cards, their relationship did not progress.
It was only after Tom’s wife passed on, and Judith had been widowed for a long time, that they began to explore their relationship again.
“The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible,” said Judith.
In April 2019 the couple met up face-to-face and holidayed together in Queensland. It was here that Tom proposed again.
“When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway,” said Judith. “Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen.”
They finally married in an intimate ceremony in October 2019, where Tom was finally able to place the long-kept wedding ring on Judith’s finger.
“I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted,” said Tom.
Picture: ABC News
Your maid of honour is usually your best fried and you trust her with everything regarding your big day. She is the one who’s got your back. This…
Ribbons attached to front windows of cars typically show that a newly married couple is passing by on route to their reception. For those that want to have a little bit of fun with their wedding transport, there are a host of quirky and different ways to ride off into the sunset.
If cars are a bit too played out for you, consider these alternative modes of transport to exit your wedding in style.
Boat:
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Carriage:
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Motorcycle:
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Horse:
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Bus:
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Bicycle:
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Canoe:
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Tractor:
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Taxi:
axi:
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Picture: Unsplash
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. This wedding charm is a tradition that has been followed many betrothed couples for decades. Brides traditionally incorporate this…
Food trucks have quickly become popular alternatives to the traditional wedding meal. These vehicles are transformed into stylish, mobile mini-kitchens ready to line the stomachs of eager wedding guests. Food trucks also work as extra decor pieces, providing a dose of whimsy sure to impress your guests.
With so many fun and unique food trucks to choose from, you’ll be overwhelmed with having to choose. Here are our favourite wedding food truck ideas to inspire you:
Gin bar:
Gin is having a moment. Stun your guests with a gin truck offering various add-ons and botanicals to quench their thirst.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXxfKGlLLZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Gelato:
Appeal to your guests’ sweet teeth with a gelato stand. This food truck works well for summer weddings and adds a fun, vintage feel to your wedding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CoaN8APBN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Fresh juice:
Homemade juice is the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day. Serve them on the back of a truck in massive juice jars, and you’ve got the cutest drink station.
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Mexican food:
If you’re a lover of spice then a Mexican food truck will be right up your alley! Tacos, nachos, burritos and churros make for perfect handheld delights at your wedding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ummJrJgz3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Fried Chicken:
Having street food at your wedding creates a much more relaxed, informal atmosphere. If you’re not one for seated dinners, this food truck idea is perfect for you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TmZWkpVqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Pizza:
Who doesn’t love pizza? Give your wedding an Italian flare with some freshly made pizza.
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Snacks:
We all get peckish, especially after a day of wedding festivities. Having a snack truck on hand will keep your guests coming back for more.
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Breakfast:
If you’re having an early wedding, you should consider providing a mobile breakfast bar. From pancakes, eggs, bacon and baked goods, there are so many options to fill your guests in preparation for the ceremony.
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Toasties:
Toasted sandwiches take us back to childhood days of lunches in front of the TV. Take a trip down memory lane with a toastie truck. It will be the perfect addition to a chilled afternoon wedding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3v-k7nAPX8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Charcuterie:
Harvest tables have been trending for a while now. If you want to be different, think about having a charcuterie and cheese truck. Cheese, meats and wine go so perfectly together and make a great picnic-style wedding snack.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzpg3jqisge/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Picture: Unsplash
Now, as with any other event, you can go super small, low key and toned down, or splurge and go way over the top for your wedding. It…
The modern wedding is one of fun, and unique-ness. Couples of today are eschewing tradition to create a personal story for their big day, one that will stay with them forever. As such, we have seen a number of new and different trends flare up in the wedding industry over the years. From neon signs and dried botanicals, to bridal jackets and artful cakes, couples are making statements with their wedding elements.
While there is no one-size-fits-all for weddings, wedding trends often help to guide couples when planning their Big Day. These are the biggest wedding trends predicted for 2020.
Individuality:
The main trend of the 2020 wedding season is individuality. People are embracing what makes them unique and incorporating that into their weddings. With so many options, engaged couples are no longer pigeon-holed into particular styles that may not suit them. It truly has become a free-for-all for the upcoming 2020 wedding season.
Bridal Fashion:
Bridal designers of today has moved away from the traditional bridal look. Bridal fashion has become less of a focus on the ‘bridal’, but more on the ‘fashion’. The millennial bride is ready to take risks and be bold, and designers are loving it. With more brides opting for separate ceremony and reception looks, there is more opportunity to have fun.
Vera Wang, Victor and Rolf and Monique Lhullier all featured puffy sleeves in their Bridal 2020 lines.
Victorian romance was featured in shows of Mira Zwillinger and Costarellos.
Reem Acra and Galia Lahav are putting the leg on display with side split wedding dresses.
The bridal jumpsuit is having a huge moment, and featured in collections by Cushnie, Pronovias and Viktor & Rolf.
Statement veils are having a moment in 2019, and will extend to 2020. We most recently saw Hailey Bieber feature this accessory in her wedding to Justin Bieber.
Veils are traditional and timeless, but with small finishes, they can be given a modernised look.
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Unique Engagement Rings:
Unique, vintage inspired rings will be the big trend for 2020. Mia Moross, founder of The One I Love NYC, says she has seen a rise in cushion-cut, hand-mined diamond rings being purchased, and predicts that there will be a rise in yellow-gold rather than platinum bands, as well as Art Deco pieces. She believes that modern couples want their rings to tell a story, and are looking for pieces that reflect history and soul.
She also notes that couples are choosing the rings together, rather than the one proposing doing it themselves.
Informal Venues:
Informal and relaxed venues have been trending for years, and do not seem to be going anywhere. Forests, barns, backyards and beaches have been popular wedding venues for a good reason. It’s less stuffy, more inviting and often times more affordable than renting out halls and wine farms.
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Sustainability:
Today’s couples are much more environmentally conscious, and are actively looking for eco-friendly alternatives to many wedding staples. Many venues and suppliers are starting to incorporate sustainability into their services. One such South African venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, provides various elements of sustainability in their wedding offerings, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health.
Seasonal Flowers:
Dried botanicals have been featuring in many bridal bouquets, and are as popular as ever. Engaged couples are also leaning towards local, seasonal and sustainable flowers to feature in their weddings.
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Statement decor:
2020 wedding decor will focus on statement pieces. Think balloons, neon signs, elaborate wedding arches and massive floral centerpieces. Over sized decor makes for a wonderful talking point, and gives weddings a personal, unique touch.
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Exposed lighting:
Mood lighting is still all the rage. Exposed bulbs dangling from the ceiling, floating candles and twinkling fairy lights create a beautifully romantic setting perfect for weddings.
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Picture: Unsplash