Southern Weddings

As you may remember from Lara’s speech at the V6 launch party, one of the biggest reasons we love marriage is because strong marriages create strong families. Strong families create strong children, and that changes generations. When I read about Peggy’s favorite memory from her and Jim’s wedding day, over 30 years ago, I couldn’t help but think of that sentiment. One beautiful marriage can have such a ripple effect on the community around it, and I can only imagine that how many people Peggy and Jim have inspired!

Sweet Tea Photography

Wedding date: September 1, 1974
Children? Two
When did you know he/she was the one? Peggy: I knew he was the one when I called him after midnight one night, asking him to come over and kill a “huge bug” in my apartment, and he came. Jim: When I had to choose either to stay in DC to continue the relationship or move back to Minnesota after law school, and I stayed.
What’s your favorite wedding memory? Peggy: Seeing how happy my parents looked dancing at our reception and hoping we would look as happy at our children’s weddings.
What’s the secret to your marriage? Being able to laugh with each other.
What’s your favorite thing to do together? Spending the day at the beach, reading and watching the ocean.
What’s your best marriage advice? Listen to the other person, communicate with each other, and recognize each other’s strengths.

Written with love by Lisa

We all try our best to not play favorites when it comes to weddings, editorials, etc., but I have to admit, this is my favorite piece of marriage advice in V6. The reason? It’s from my very own parents, who are celebrating 29 years of marriage today!! There is no one I look up to more, in life and in love, and I am forever grateful for the example they have set for me. The advice they wrote together is something I cherish, and I hope it inspires you, too!

Always be kind and considerate! Remember that marriage is meant to last a lifetime and there will be ups and downs in LIFE, not just in the marriage. If you are committed to a lifetime together, you find a way to get through the hard times and rejoice in the good ones. It’s remarkable to look back and appreciate all that we’ve come through together and know that there is still more to come!

Tom Sanderson

Written with love by Lisa

Happy Sunday, friends! I am not even sure what to call attention to in today’s sweet couple’s interview–Theresa and Al have been married for 41 years, and everything from their advice to their favorite thing to do together makes me smile. The SW ladies loved soaking up all of their wisdom in V6 and we’re excited to share their story with y’all today!

Sweet Tea Photography

Wedding date: May 26, 1973
Children: Two daughters and two grandchildren
When did you know he was the one? There wasn’t an “aha” moment. The relationship grew gradually until it was obvious we belonged together.
What’s your favorite wedding memory? We were married in St. John’s Episcopal Church, right across from the White House. We had a mid-day wedding. After the ceremony, when the church doors opened and we emerged for the classic “leaving the church” photo, several tour buses had just unloaded, and there were hundreds of tourists cheering for us, in addition to our wedding guests! Cameras were clicking and the excitement was amazing!
What’s the secret to your marriage? Marriage is for a lifetime. Change is inevitable–both for the good and the not so good. If you are happy today–wonderful, enjoy it. If you are not happy, well, tomorrow is another day and you can choose to make it different. Every couple goes through bad times, sometimes for a long time, but to prosper, you must take the long view. Time is your friend; use it wisely. Forty years passes very quickly.
What’s your favorite thing to do together? Car trips! Sometimes we listen to music, sometimes we listen to books on tape, and sometimes we just take in the scenery. There is always something that stirs a memory that leads to laughs and the occasional “I can’t believe we did THAT!” moment. One of the wonderful things about having spent so many years together is that we ALWAYS have something to talk about!
What’s your best memory related to Southern food or family? Al: My mother’s pecan pie. It was truly a work of art. Theresa: Treat your family like guests and your guests like family!
What’s your best marriage advice? Don’t keep score, because it is NEVER 50-50. The relationship must be as a whole, but at any point in time, one spouse is always carrying a greater part of the load, whether that be financial matters, childcare, walking the dog, or taking out the trash. The important thing is to appreciate each other’s efforts. Above all, have fun and keep a sense of humor.

Written with love by Lisa