With all of our focus on how to make your wedding special, we thought it was time to highlight some ways to make your marriage awesome, too. Introducing “Snapshot of a Marriage,” a new series from contributor Emily Westbrooks, who interviews couples on some of their secrets for a strong and successful marriage.
When you’ve been married for more than 60 years, the beginning might feel like a very long time ago. Catharine and Joe now speak of their first few years together in words and memories softened by time, but they admit the early years were a little difficult. After spending three years fighting in World War II, Joe returned home and the two started their life together. Five children, eleven grandchildren, and countless ups and downs later, they narrowed down a few strategies that helped keep them on track for more than sixty years.
Joe smiles seriously, “We were always a united front. No matter what was going on between us, we were a united front.”
“My strategy when we were having an argument was to take a step back, wait a day or so. You really have to just wait for the other person to give in,” says Catharine. “Well, you don’t admit that part,” she laughs. She adds that one of the keys to their long marriage was, of course, to keep a good sense of humor.
Photos by Lauren Bodwell.
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“Snapshot of a Marriage” is such a great idea!love it!
I am SO excited about this series! What a terrific idea! And how cute are those two? Love it, love it, love it…
[...] here we go! This week we’re kicking off the series with a couple that is especially near and dear to my heart, my own grandparents. They have been [...]
pretty adorable series here! awesome advice, too. and i love her wedding dress!
I love this so much! A great reminder that there is much, much more to a marriage than the wedding day – it’s so easy to lose sight of that in the throes of wedding planning :)
I love this! I can’t wait to hear more in this wonderful series. :)
How wonderful and meaningful! I absolutely adore this! And congratulations, then and now, to the beautiful couple, Joe and Catharine. :)
This is just absolutely sweet! It reminds us that if you work it you can have a long loving relationship like this lovely couple :)
What a wonderful contribution to the internet! This is a great idea for a series; I’m so impressed.
This is great! Such an inspiring series idea!
I am really excited about this series! I love hearing from couples who have made their marriage a lasting one, and quite frankly, older married couples are just the cutest thing in the world!
LOVE this!! So excited about this series!!! Can’t wait to read more!
I’m absolutely obsessed with this series!!! can’t wait to read more!!
Love this:) That’s what weddings should be about! In our ‘throw away’ society we need to be reminded that true love takes some effort. Stick with it!
[...] her first Snapshot here and my first time being [...]
Aww how sweet! And congrats to such a lovely couple!
This is a fabulous series! What a sweet couple.
[...] - Snapshot of a marriage {adorable} [...]
[...] pretty, we should forget what weddings is all about, Snippet & Ink‘s new feature ‘Snapshot of a Marriage‘ is here to remind [...]
Such a nice idea for a series!
Great story!!!! There is all to learn from those who love with honesty and generosity!
[...] Snapshot of a Marriage series on Snippet and Ink is positively [...]
Wow, thanks S & I for this heartwarming series. Us Here Comes The Guide Gals are already hooked! What a great way to remind everyone what the big day is really all about. Joe+Catherine, you’re inspirational!
Absolutely love this series. We really like to feature and focus on the successful institution of marriage.
What an inspiration! Can’t wait to see more of this series!
So wonderful! I love hearing how other folks make it work…
Gasp! This. Is. Amazing. Totally turned around my dreary Monday morning. I just ran over and kissed my husband. :) Can’t wait to read more of these. . . Kudos on a brilliant series!
[...] And finally… a heartwarming tale of love which has lasted for many, many years. Joe and Catharine share their story – and secrets to a happy, strong and enduring marriage – on Snippet and Ink. http://www.snippetandink.com/snapshot-of-a-marriage-joe-catharine/ [...]
[...] - Snapshot of a marriage {adorable} [...]
[...] Joe and Catharine / Adam and Paulina / David and Tina / John and Leslie / Betsey and Andy / Mandi and Phil / Iggy and Kristin / Danielle and Greg / Erin and Ben / Mike and Megan / [...]