Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...



June 18, 1977.

Happy anniversary Gail! You are the love of my life.

We were married in Gail's home church in Chesapeake, VA about a month after graduating from college. After a week long honeymoon we drove cross country to Southern California and the adventure began. Somehow we managed to get the top layer of our cake across country and into a freezer. It was consumed on our first anniversary 30 years ago this date.

Notes to our children:

No, the hair coloring wasn't touched up for the photo. I attribute my new natural highlights to having had three teenagers in the house at once. Somehow your mom has avoided turning gray.

Yes, that tux was very stylish at the time. Your mother chose the color ("to go with your eyes"). Go ahead and laugh. One day your kids will be blowing milk out of their noses while looking at your wedding photos.

Your mom and I saw Star Wars, the surprise hit movie of the summer in 1977, for the first time at the same location where you saw Lord of the Rings for the first time in 2001. How's that for some trivia?

We existed our first year together without a TV. Heck, we didn't have a PC until 15 years later. Telephones were connected by wires to a box in the wall.

And for the rest of you, I know what you're thinking as you look at that picture. So here's the answer: I got lucky.



32 comments:

Florida_Mom said...

Happy Anniversary!

Myra in Florida

Mrs Redboots (Annabel Smyth) said...

Very, very happy anniversary to you! And many more of 'em.

We were married in 1979, so celebrate the Big 30 next year - and people roar with laughter at our wedding photos. Even I am surprised when I look and see that I was slim and my husband had HAIR.

I hope you have a lovely day and are planning a meal out at your favourite restaurant, or something equally splendid, to celebrate.

Kristen said...

Happy Anniversary!
You are a very lucky man :-)

marcia said...

Happy Anniversary!
What a beautiful couple you still are!
Gotta love those ruffled tux shirts from the 70's!! And they don't wear those bowties with tuxes anymore, either. Go figure! :):)

MelB said...

I love when people post their old pics. TFS Happy Anniversary.

wereart said...

After 31 years, I'd say you both got lucky. Enjoy your special day...

Christy said...

Happy Anniversary!!! It is so great to hear about happy married couples. We get to celebrate 14 years in Sept. What a blessing.
Christy

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary... I think you all look stylin'! Super retro!!!

Jenn said...

Happy anniversary!

Unknown said...

I forgot to say, holy COW does Nate look like you!

Blessings From Above said...

Happy Anniversary!

You are such a lovely couple.

Blessings from Ohio

Emelie said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!

My husband and I just celebrated our 16th on June 13th.

God Bless You on your day

Coralyn said...

Happy Anniversary! I love to hear of marriages that have stood the test of time! :)

CFHusband said...

A few things...

1) You may recall that my hair looked very similar to yours on my wedding day. You'll also recall that I've let my hair grow out since just as you did (you really should post on of those pics...

2) I tried my best to talk Tricia into letting me wear a baby blue tux at our wedding, but she wasn't down with that.

3) I didn't know you were so old that TVs hadn't been invented yet...

4) Happy anniversary! I've got you a dinner reservation at Hardee's tonight. Bingo begins at 4pm...so you can get home in time for bed.

Bill and Peggy said...

Happy Anniversary Rick and Gail!!
I was able to make it back for number 26 with my amazing wife, I hope you have as much fun as I did.
Rick, you and I both married up :-)

kimmyo80 said...

wouldn't this be your 31st Wedding Anniversay?? Don't short yourself one year! LOL Happy Anniversary you and your wife have a great Godlt legacy! Enjoy your day!

kimmyo80 said...

opps! i misread you ate the cake 30 yrs! anyway...31 yrs is awesome!

Debbie said...

Happy Anniversary!!

Faith, Hope & Lovebugs said...

HAPPY 31 YEARS RICK AND GAIL... sorry we can't be home with y'all tonight to celebrate. I was hoping you'd replay your wedding day in that tux and Gail's dress. :) that would be funny stuff.

tricia

Andy Lawrenson said...

happy anniversary for WF

raysoflight said...

Happy 31st Anniversary! You have had a marriage centered in Christ and it shows. Many blessings to both of you and to your family. You are all in our continued prayers.

Cindi said...

Rick and Gail

Congratulations on your anniversary. It is amazing how much Nate looks like you. You are an amazing family. God has truly blessed us with your presence.

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary!

ladybug said...

Abbey says - "wow they're that old?"

Happy Anniversary to two of my favorite people.

Denise

Terry Gray Sr. said...

Happy Anniversary Rick and Gail. I hope you have many more.

Sarah said...

Happy Anniversary!

Susan Hooper said...

Happy Anniversary from California! Yes, THAT state! As for the weddings, (in California or wherever!) You should just continue saying what God intended "I now pronounce you husband and wife!"
Have a great anniversary!
Susan in Orange County

Robin Schmitt said...

Happy anniversary, Rick & Gail. I remember when you looked like you did in your wedding picture. : ) Although I didn't know you, I knew who you were since I knew your brother, Mark. My husband, Todd's, tux at our wedding looked very similar to yours, Rick, only it was all white.

I would be as gray as you are (and I presently have 3 teenagers) except that Todd likes for me to color my hair. (Says I'm too young to be gray.)

Not sure if we'll make it to the OBX this year or not, but if we do we will definitely visit NHC again and hope to meet Nate and "his girls". : )

Unknown said...

What a beautiful picture! Happy anniversary and here's to many, many more!

Joanne said...

Hey there you 2 - Happy belated Anniversary. Gee I rememberseeing that photo30 years ago. By the time you come for Laura's wedding, Jerry and I would havecelebrated our38th anniversary - and our photo'slook the same also. Pretty scary huh?!?!?

Love - The Jones

Paulette said...

Happy belated Anniversary. Its a good day the 18th, my birthday. Many mores years of happiness I pray for you. Found your blog from Nate and Tricias.
In His Grip
Paulette In Texas

ZazFamily said...

that star wars movie was the only way i could get carol to go out with me. and now 30 years later for us, we're still riding the lifelong journey together. congratulations on 31 years.

richard and carol