Matt’s Parents – a 50 Year Love Story
Over the weekend, on Saturday 8th of August, 2009 – my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
This ‘love story’ clip was played at their anniversary party and is made up of recent interviews with my parents plus some old and new photographs.
It was a great honour to witness Mum and Dad renewing their vows. As a relative newlywed, I found listening to those promises all the more powerful in the light of the 50 years they have spent together. I know that my parents have lived through each and every promise they made to each other on their wedding day. Ok, maybe not the richer part in a material sense, but definitely all the others :)
These days the traditional wedding vows can seem old fashioned and out of date. But, I’m not sure that there’s a better description of successful marriage to be found. We can write our own vows or dress up the traditional ones, but surely the underlying promises remain the same …
for better for worse
for richer for poorer
in sickness and in health
to love, honour, and cherish
’til death do us part.
Something that also struck me as I put together this video, is the importance of documenting our life’s memories. I would say the true value of wedding photography is not realised only when one receives the photos a month or so after the wedding. The true value, in my parent’s case, comes 50 years later, not only as a document of their wedding day but also as a heritage to their children, celebrating two lives spent together as one, for better … for worse.
Matt [Shadowplay]
My Parents – A 50 Year Love Story from Matt E on Vimeo.
14 Responses so far
August 10th, 2009
11:38 am
Lorinda and I have just squished in front of my tiny work computer screen and “oohed” and “awwwed” at all the appropriate places. Your parents are gorgeous!
August 10th, 2009
11:39 am
Amazing, such a wonderful story!!! Happy 50th and here’s to another 50 more (at least!)!! :)
August 10th, 2009
12:10 pm
I think this video made me cry more than watching my own love story!!! Your parents are so beautiful, fun, and loving. This video made me cry many happy tears because it shows me that through being loving, patient, and kind, Link and I can have 50+ amazing years together–just like your parents. :D
Your introduction to the video is also beautiful. How wonderful that they were able to document their lives through photographs and now they have you and Katie to help bring the memories to another level. You two not only share your amazing talent, but also the gift of reliving memories and showing newlyweds examples of what married life is like. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
August 10th, 2009
3:10 pm
Thanks Matthew & Katie it made me cry all over again. By the way who was that old couple? There was also back in those days the word OBEY in there somewhare that the girl had to say. It never happened anyway but it was a nice idea at the time. It was a fantastic, awesome, and all round lovely day. God has blessed us with a marriage full of love, a Wonderful family and great photographers.
August 11th, 2009
9:21 am
This is so sweet! You are both so talented and I love checking out your latest work. I’m really looking forward to finally meeting Katie at the workshop in January! See you in 5 months!
August 11th, 2009
6:35 pm
Awwww, guys that was sweet. Honestly, I just people crowd my computer screen and watch in utter silence.
That is probs one of the most memorable and thoughtful gifts any parent could receive. They must be so proud of you both, especially you Matt.
Congrats to your Folks and here’s to the next 50! :)
August 12th, 2009
12:12 am
Love it Matt. What a great idea to put together something so valuable. Beautifully done.
August 15th, 2009
9:59 am
Wow, totally teared up watching that. Precious… =)
-Mel
August 15th, 2009
12:47 pm
heart-warming and joyful!
August 18th, 2009
11:08 am
Awww! That was THE cutests, sweetest, tear-jerking video I think I’ve EVER seen! You guys are so super talented. Majorly. I just stumbled across your blog and luuurve it.
September 1st, 2009
9:36 am
The last time I checked out the blog I passed over this entry because I was short on time, and didn’t think I had the time to watch the video. I just sat and watched it for the first time. And I’m still teary eyed. What a beautiful love story! A marriage full of love, trust, mutual respect and above all else God! That’s what makes them tick. What a lovely gift you gave them. Great work Matt and Katie! And congratulations on 50 years Mr and Mrs Ebenezer!
My favourite part was where your dad said “did I say Seth”, made me laugh so hard I nearly fell off my chair!
October 17th, 2009
4:39 pm
OMG I was crying and laughing at the same time – that is simply beautiful! LOVED every minute.
December 31st, 2009
3:58 pm
[...] including awesome weddings with awesome couples August – Matt’s parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary September – We moved house! October – lots of work November – Flew to Sydney for [...]
February 15th, 2010
4:14 am
Great job!… Thanks for sharing your parents lives and relationship…
Normy B
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