A wedding celebration

On the 23rd of October, Carol and Stuard Kingsley celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. It makes them the longest married couple in Eldaro. 63% of our citizens are happily married, but what makes a marriage successful? This special occasion prompted a search for answers. Recipe for love It is indisputable that no love is similar. The compatibility between two people is quite rare; a one-of-a-kind connection that alters your outlook on life. Carol and Stuard found their soulmate and granted me a look into their marriage. They met in college and have been partners in crime ever since. Their advice for young people in love: “Seize the day. Party, travel, go beyond what you’re used to and do whatever you want. But do it together because those moments are the foundation for a long and happy relationship”. Another secret to their marriage is their monthly date night. One of them organises a surprise activity for both of them to enjoy such as a dinner on the beach while watching the sunset and slow dancing in the moonlight. Carol mentioned that it makes them feel in sync and allows them to grow even closer to each other. Trends Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley hired an event planner, Evangeline Delacourt, for the festivities. She noticed several trends in anniversary celebrations during this year’s wedding season. Overall, it’s either a matter of lavishness or moderation. On one side of the spectrum there are couples who throw a party with all their friends and family, rent an entire island for the occasion and plan their second honeymoon. On the other side you’ll find the couples who simply relive their very first date; just the two of them honouring their love. Apart from that, couples often include these popular elements in their ceremony: their first dance, a slideshow with old wedding pictures, a game and/or renewing their wedding vows. Below you can read Carol’s wedding vows, quoted from her favourite movie. “With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup shall never be empty,

for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness.

And with this ring, I ask you to be mine.” Protocol For every anniversary there are custom gifts, flowers and gemstones. A couple’s fifth anniversary is celebrated with silverware, daisies and rose quartz for example. Their 25th with silver, irises and tsavorite and if their love is indestructible, the 50th anniversary will be celebrated with gold, violets and some more gold. A comprehensive list can be found in ‘Weddings – an exhaustive guide’, a book written by Maria Flax, Eldaro’s most accomplished wedding planner. Carol and Stuard’s 70th anniversary is so rare that it doesn’t even have an associated flower nor gemstone! It is simply called a platinum anniversary. National admiration Eldaro’s government is always delighted to hear about the latest wedding ceremonies and anniversaries. Each couple will receive a card and a small gift on their special day, congratulating them on their devotion to each other. Those who want to, can also invite the members of the Council of Elders who will be honoured to attend. As you may have realised by now, love comes in all sizes and shapes. It isn’t limited by rules or stereotypes and grows with time like aged wine. Such long lasting marriages deserve respect, along with the appropriate gifts of course. But remember: a couple's love isn’t determined by the exquisiteness of their wedding, nor by the time they spend together. It is shaped by the quality of their connection.