On July 11, 1970, Margaret, 31, and David, 23, cemented their commitment to each other at a wedding ceremony in south London. Now, 52 years later, the couple came together with their children and grandchildren to celebrate their ongoing commitment to each other.
On one of Wales' hottest days of the year so far, loved ones gathered in the garden of Glanffrwd Nursing Home in Pencoed, Bridgend, to witness the occasion. Margaret, now aged 84, is a resident of the care home and decided she wanted to hold the party to celebrate the continued love between herself and David.
The pair met through the church while in Scotland, and while details are now hazy with so many years to remember with each other, the pair fondly recall their years of highs and lows shared throughout their lives together.
"We have had just good times together, it's just lovely, so very good," David, aged 75, said while thinking of their marriage. "She has been such a support to me and I really appreciate her," he explained.
"Understanding each other, helping each other," are the keys to a long and happy marriage in David's eyes. "I'm really looking forward to seeing her today."
Marriage has brought David and Margaret three children and three grandchildren, some of who were able to attend the ceremony. They were also joined by pastor Richard Roberts of Calfaria Baptist Church who officiated the ceremony.
"I just wanted to leave behind a record of why I chose to marry the man I married," Margaret said while explaining her reasoning to celebrate the vow renewal.
When thinking back to her wedding day, Margaret said, "I felt just so confident that it was right." She explained how their long marriage together had brought highs and lows, however together they were able to "battle on and celebrate what life throws at us."
On seeing David dressed up for the occasion, Margaret explained her pride. "I'm so proud of him, I've got this feeling, of pride when I saw him come through the door, of wow, imagine you looking like that, you're looking handsome," she gushed.
The couple's golden anniversary fell during the height of the pandemic in 2020, meaning they weren't able to celebrate the day as desired, however two years later celebrations were underway with prosecco and a buffet waiting.
David explained that it's hard to be apart, with both of them facing health ailments that mean they can no longer look after each other as they once did, however, they both look forward to David's twice-weekly visits.
However, with their faith playing such an active role in the couple's marriage, the two say - as they grow older - they look forward to knowing they have "forever together", with today's anniversary marking just a notch in their eternity of love.
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