(Updated) Happy 43rd Wedding Anniversary to my parents!

Today is my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary, quite an accomplishment! They were married on June 1, 1968 in a small Baptist church in Brooker, Florida. The ceremony didn't start until 8 p.m., and it was a hot and humid Saturday evening with candle wax dripping because of the heat. Their reception menu included a wedding cake, nuts, mints and punch, and that is all. Maybe the secret to a long and happy marriage is a simple reception.

For my parent's 43rd wedding anniversary dinner, they dined at Sonny's Real Pit BBQ in Alachua, the same restaurant they eat at every Wednesday night. Their favorite waitress, Carolyn, had a surprise cake waiting for them. Topped with blueberries, strawberries and kiwi with slivered almonds and a strawberry filling, they said it was delicious.

Yummy! Thanks Miss Carolyn! You're the best!

I took the photo below three years ago when we surprised them with a 40th wedding anniversary dinner with members of their wedding party. It's one of my favorite photos of the two of them.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! We love you and hope you have many, many more!