Couple Have Only 2 Wedding Day Photos, Put On Wedding Outfits on Their 70th Anniversary to Fix It

Two lovebirds only had a few photos from their special wedding day, so on their 70th anniversary, they recreated the moment, clothed in vintage outfits that will leave you breathless. 

They say true love never dies, which is undeniable by the looks of a husband and wife from South Dakota. The teenage sweethearts gave the world swoon-worthy content that made many believe in love again.

While modern relationships seem short-lived and riddled with infidelity and drama, there are still long-lasting unions. Read this pair’s beautiful story and marvel at the bride’s vintage wedding dress—it is still a showstopper after all these years.

[Left] Teenage sweethearts on their wedding day; [Right] The couple after 70 years of marriage. | Source: instagram.com/anna.behning

THEY HAVE A ONE-OF-A-KIND LOVE STORY

When Nancy Lubbers was just a teenager, she married the love of her life, Melvin Lubbers. They tied the knot in 1952 and vowed to stick together through thick and thin—a vow they kept for seven decades.

The couple who met at a skating rink never imagined the fame they would receive in 2022, but thanks to their granddaughter, the world got to see a glimpse of their one-of-a-kind love.

THEY ONLY HAD TWO WEDDING PHOTOS 

Nancy and Melvin raised five kids, Duane, Lori, Dee Dee, Dawn, and Melissa, who gave them 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Every day the couple’s bond inspires their big brood.   

The duo has many memories together, but sadly they have only two photographs from their wedding day. Thankfully, their granddaughter worked as a professional photographer and set up something special just for them.

THE SWOON-WORTHY PHOTOSHOOT

On their 70th anniversary, Anna Behning captured her grandparents in their family garden. The photoshoot was magical, and the best part, after their heartwarming affection for each other, was undoubtedly their outfits. 

The wedding dress and army suit were nostalgic and breathtakingly beautiful. Anna came up with the idea and said:

“My grandparents only have a couple of photos from their wedding day. I [took] photos of Grandma in her dress and then my mom, Melissa, found Grandpa’s Korean War Army suit for him to wear.”

HAPPY SHE PRESERVED HER WEDDING DRESS

Melvin proposed to Nancy at a ballpark, and after their big day, their stunning outfits were on display at their church. After 70 years, Nancy still had her wedding dress and veil, which she bought for $35 and $15. 

She shared:

“My dress was something special and I loved it, so I just preserved it and kept it all these years. It felt really good to wear it again and we had fun reminiscing about our wedding day.”

IT BROUGHT BACK GOOD MEMORIES

Nancy added that she was honored she still fit in her wedding dress, and her husband also had a lot to say about the unforgettable moment.   

The elderly gentleman expressed:

“Oh boy, that certainly brought back some good memories.”

THEY PAID FOR THEIR WEDDING 

While Melvin joked that he purchased their rings from a gumball machine, the pair were proud to have paid for their wedding by themselves.

The couple covered all expenses, including their reception in the church’s basement. They served ice cream and cake for dessert and reminisced about the day with joy and delight. 

HE WAS CALLED AWAY TO THE WAR

Sadly, the lovebirds didn’t have a honeymoon because Melvin was called away to serve as a tank commander in the Korean War.  

He explained:

“I was home for a 10-day leave, then I was sent to Japan for training before being sent to Korea to fight. I was in Korea for 8 months in 1952.” 

After the time apart, he was ecstatic to return to his beautiful bride, who worked at a grocery store. Later, Melvin took up a job as a salesman, and he also had a hobby farm with sheep.  

THEIR SECRET TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE 

Melvin and Nancy were kind enough to share their secrets for a long-lasting and happy marriage like theirs. They revealed how they handled disagreements and offered couples a helpful tip.

Melvin stated:

“When you have [a disagreement] you sit down and talk about it and come up with an answer — and once it’s resolved, don’t bring it back up.” 

Nancy added another secret and encouraged partners to respect each other, even when they disagree, because that’s how they will make the best of their lives. She said: “Show lots of love and care and forgive and forget.”

THEY STILL DRIVE EACH OTHER MAD

Despite their great love for each other and the decades spent together, the couple revealed that there are a few things that still drive them mad. Nancy said her husband’s teasing leaves her agitated because he gets carried away sometimes.

A laughing Melvin remarked: “It drives me mad when she talks but doesn’t speak up, so I can’t hear her.” Through the small agitations and annoyances, they still choose to love and respect each other every day. 

SURPRISED BY THE ONLINE REACTION 

Anna couldn’t believe the attention her grandparents received online. She was thrilled and surprised by the overwhelming reactions to the photoshoot.

Anna simply wanted to give her grandparents something special to celebrate their significant milestone, and she never expected the moment to go viral—but it did.

She noted: 

“Taking photos of my grandma and grandpa is something I will never forget. I’m so glad I got to capture their love, even if it was 70 years after their wedding day.”

USERS FELL IN LOVE WITH THE COUPLE

Netizens were obsessed with Nancy and Melvin’s love story. They also adored the bride’s wedding dress which featured gorgeous lace details. 

One commenter said: “They are goals! I’m obsessed.” Another added: “This is what the young generations need to learn nowadays about love and marriage. I love this!!!” 

THE COUPLE DOESN’T KNOW THEY ARE “FAMOUS’

Anna told netizens that her grandparents had no idea their story went viral. She said: “I tried to explain to grandpa and grandma that they are famous, and grandpa asked “what newspaper” (lol, no concept of the internet whatsoever).”

Her grandmother also wanted to add one final secret to a great marriage. Nancy stated: “Keeping God at the center of your marriage is the key to a successful 70 years.”

Anna agreed, and she shared: 

“Love is so beautiful. Marriage is a gift from God. I’m lucky to have them as an example of lifelong commitment.”

If Nancy and Melvin’s love melted your heart, here is another story about a couple who recreated their wedding photos after 50 years together.  

Anomama