Brett and Shari-Lee Griffin, Jenny and Dale Willis and Maureen and Ron Gaha are celebrating their love in very different ways today.
Newlyweds: Brett and Shari-Lee Griffin
Where did you meet? Eden Skate Park in 2006.
When and where did you marry? February 2, 2013 on a headland near Eden Lookout, with a reception at Kianinny Cabins, Tathra.
How do you celebrate special days? We usually go out for dinner, but on our first year anniversary we went away to Batemans Bay. It hasn't happened since!
What do you do daily to keep the spark alive? We are newlyweds so there are sparks flying everywhere.
How do you divide domestic chores? Well Brett's job is to put the bin out and he often forgets... so we probably should discuss that now we are married.
How do you deal with disagreements? We would be lying if we said we didn't raise our voices.
Hopes for your marriage? Travel as much as we can and eventually have some little Griffos.
Married 41 years: Dale and Jenny Willis, Eden.
Where did you meet? We met at the Canberra Rex, way back in July 1970 when I was a student nurse and Dale was a mate of my friend’s boyfriend. Back then The Rex was the place to go.
When and where did you marry? We married at St James’ Presbyterian Church in Curtin ACT on October 9, 1971. How do you celebrate special days? Every day is special in some way, but our favourite way to celebrate is to get together with friends and family for dinner or lunch.
What do you do daily to keep the spark alive? Lots of little things. One of our favourite things is to read the paper together while enjoying coffee.
How do you divide domestic chores? Dale does most of the cooking (I do desserts) and general cleaning, while I do the washing and ironing and bookkeeping. We each have “our” gardens: Dale’s are the vegie gardens and mine are the flower beds.
How do you deal with disagreements? As we are each individuals, we often disagree about various matters. We discuss each point of view, sometimes for a very long time. Eventually we either reach agreement, or agree to keep our differing points of view. There is no hard and fast rule, it depends on the subject and how important it is.
Hopes for your marriage? We hope to see out another decade or so at our little farm, then move to something a bit smaller, so we have more free time and can see a bit more of the world. We have five grandchildren, and are looking forward to spending lots of time with them.
What is your advice for young couples? Remember you are part of a team. Teams consist of individuals, who have different needs and abilities, but when you are best friends and stick together through thick and thin, you can achieve just about anything you desire. Our life together has had many ups and downs, but we always face them together “you‘n’me babe” is one of our common phrases.
Married 57 years: Ron and Maureen Gaha.
Where did you meet? At Sydney’s Wiley park, after becoming neighbours.
When and where did you marry? Lakemba, at St Therese Catholic Church in 1955. We celebrate 58 years of marriage next month.
How do you celebrate special days? We go out for dinner.
What do you do daily to keep the spark alive? Spend time together such as going for walks and caring for each other.
How do you divide domestic chores? Nothing was ever discussed but it was always fair. We had helpful children too.
How do you deal with disagreements? Agree to disagree, however there is not much we disagree about.
Hopes for your marriage? To keep our health for as long as we can.
What is your advice for young couples? Ron: Support each other. Maureen: Keep talking to each other and keep communication lines open.