After 60 years, man surprises wife with the dream wedding she never got to have

Two sweethearts, Gary and Linda, were in love, and, as can happen with young love, they eloped. Sixty years later, the flame of love still burns brightly in their hearts. So, they decided to celebrate their anniversary by renewing their wedding vows before their generations of family. Dressed in a sea-green overtop and a floral brooch, Linda re-walked the wedding aisle on April 13 this year. 6 News WOWT reported on the Omaha couple’s story.

Gary said renewing their vows was a bucket list item. “I wanted her to have a wedding.” The lovebirds first married in 1964 in Reno, Nevada. They have had five children since then. As the children were not a part of their original wedding, they attended the ceremony with cheery excitement.

While the couple’s two daughters in floral dresses were swinging the bouquets in their hands, their eldest son, Mike, officiated the ceremony. “The main thing was to honor them. 60 years. There are not that many couples that have stayed together for 60 years. They were a great example to us, my brothers and sisters,” said Mike Manna.

Throughout their married life, Linda and Gary have discovered themselves bonding with each other over music and faith. They have spent little time apart and they want to keep it that way, even when it’s time for the next chapter.

The Dreamweaver Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating joyful experiences for the elderly, organized the wedding ceremony. The foundation partnered with Brookestone Meadows, a nursing home, to arrange everything. “Having a life-limiting illness is how we’re able to grant their wish and fulfill their bucket list dream. Sometimes it might be a birthday party. But sometimes it’s an anniversary celebration,” said Kelly Jacobs of Dreamweaver Foundation.

Beyond being a heartwarming occasion, the wedding ceremony served as a wholesome family reunion. The couple shared that all their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered together for the first time in years.

Mike posted on his Facebook that it was a “big day” for the entire Manna family. There were two weddings arranged on the same day. In addition to his parents’ ceremony, his niece's wedding was also scheduled for the same day. April 13 will always be a day to remember for the great family.