At what point do you consider a marriage to have lasted a remarkably long time? 25 years? 50 years? For one couple in West Virginia, their marriage has reached an impressive milestone of 75 years and they are still as devoted to each other as the day they met. Lorraine, originally from Boone County, first met Ulysses, who was born and raised in Sissonville, while visiting the town. While carrying a bucket of water from the town well, Lorraine intentionally spilled it, hoping that the charming young man would come to her aid.
What does it take to be in a long-lasting marriage that still leaves people in awe? Is it 25 years? Maybe 50? For a couple from West Virginia, it’s a whopping 75 years, and their love for each other has only grown stronger over time.
Lorraine, a Boone County native, first met Ulysses, who was born and raised in Sissonville, while she was visiting the town. She “accidentally” spilled a bucket of water in the hopes of catching his attention, and he came to her rescue. They got married soon after the end of World War 2, with Ulysses in his dress uniform and Lorraine wearing a beautiful red 2 piece suit.
Their wedding, however, was not the typical dream wedding most couples envision. Nevertheless, with faith, love, and compromise, the couple has faced all the challenges that come with married life.
Seventy-five years later, surrounded by five generations of their family, the couple said their vows again in a beautiful wedding ceremony. Ulysses put on his uniform once more, and Lorraine finally got to wear the beautiful white dress she had always dreamed of.
When asked by the officiant who gave this woman to be married, the entire crowd proudly responded that they all did.
Celebrating 75 years of marriage, Ulysses and Lorraine’s love story is an inspiration to many. Their story began when Lorraine was visiting Sissonville, and Ulysses came to her rescue after she accidentally knocked over a bucket of water. They got married shortly after World War II ended, and their marriage has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
To mark their diamond wedding anniversary, Ulysses and Lorraine renewed their vows in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by their family spanning five generations. The groom looked dashing in his uniform, and Lorraine finally got to wear the white dress she had always dreamed of. Yellow and white roses adorned her bouquet, and the wedding party wore yellow in honor of the special occasion.
Throughout the ceremony, Ulysses and Lorraine beamed with joy, and Ulysses even wiped away a few tears. When asked if he had anything to say as his vows, the 94-year-old man leaned down and gave his 92-year-old wife a big kiss. After the ceremony, both expressed their gratitude for each other and for their enduring love.
“I thank God for him,” Lorraine said. “I could never find a better one.” Ulysses echoed her sentiments, saying, “Our prayers were answered, and I thank God for it all.” Their love has stood the test of time, and their devotion to each other is truly heartwarming.
Ulysses chuckled as he remarked, “The knot was tied awfully tight, and it’s still holding.” Witnessing the enduring love between these two individuals is truly remarkable, and their family undoubtedly feels the same way.
As the camera scanned the crowd of relatives who attended the vow renewal ceremony, there were smiles on every face, as well as a few tears. When asked about their 75-year marriage, the couple admitted that there were highs and lows, but there was always happiness.
Their last piece of advice was something that every couple should keep in mind: “Make sure you love each other.” “And it’s a 50/50 thing,” Lorraine added. “It’s not an 80/20 thing, it’s 50/50.”