On May 27th, a pair of high school sweethearts stood in front of 275 of their friends and family members receiving a standing ovation. The applause was a long time coming - this party was 50 years in the making. Judith and Cornelius Harris have spent most of their lives together as husband and wife. 50 years, to be exact. The high school sweethearts were madly in love and tied the knot in the bride's mother's living room on May 27, 1967.
The couple 50 years ago on their wedding day.
The happy couple receives a standing ovation.
Photo by NicTay Photography
From the small living room wedding to the large anniversary party at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mt. Brook, the Harris couple has so much to celebrate. They have waited many years to throw this party. When Mrs. Harris approached us to do the flowers and decorations for the event, we felt honored to be included in such a monumental occasion. The flowers were a colorful display of hydrangea, peonies, delphinium, cymbidium blooms, stock, spray roses, and nature's cherry roses.
The family sat at a t-shaped table with this arrangement in the middle.
Photo by NicTay Photography
The decor for the event featured gold tablecoths, gold urns, gold vases, and gold candelabras, which was fitting given that 50 years is known as the "golden anniversary." The gold containers were filled with beautiful flowers in shades of blue, coral, and pink.
The gold decor was representative of the "golden anniversary."
Photo by NicTay Photography
Ferrero Rocher truffles were sprinkled across this table as guests entered the hotel.
Photo by NicTay Photography
Guests were given the opportunity to write messages to the couple in this guestbook.
Photo by NicTay Photography
Candlelight from the candlabras provided a romantic atmosphere.
Photo by NicTay Photography
The couple's 3 children and grandchildren were there, color-coordinating their outfits to make the night extra special. Many friends and family traveled to be there, including Mrs. Harris' 89-year-old aunt and 2 other guests who were at the wedding 50 years ago. The guests got to enjoy fine food prepared by the chefs at the venue and a slideshow documenting the Harris' marriage through the years. The beverages were flowing as everyone enjoyed music provided by a live band.
The couple's 3 children color-coordinated their outfits.
Photo by NicTay Photography
Photo by NicTay Photography
Photo by NicTay Photography
In addition to designing the event, we were privileged to speak with Mrs. Harris about the keys to sustaining a 50 year marriage. Understandably, she said that it is not always easy and that the key is to take it one day at a time because "marriage is not a destination - it is a journey." She also told us that some of her favorite memories with her husband are the trips and vacations that they have taken together. Here's to 50 years together and many more to come, Judith and Cornelius!
The happy couple smiles before the big event.
Photo by NicTay Photography
We would like the extend a special thank you to:
Judith and Cornelius Harris
The Grand Bohemian Hotel
Nicole Taylor at NicTayPhotography
To see more of Nicole's work, please visit her website or Facebook.
