At a Glance
- Harold Pugh, 91, and Frances Pugh, 90, renewed their vows on January 10 after 70 years of marriage
- The pair eloped in their 20s and never had a proper wedding ceremony
- Their vow renewal at Cawson Street Church of Christ in Hopewell, Virginia, marked their first official wedding
- Why it matters: The celebration highlights enduring love and the joy of fulfilling long-delayed dreams
After seven decades as husband and wife, Harold and Frances Pugh finally experienced the wedding they never had. The couple, who eloped in their 20s, marked their 70th wedding anniversary by walking down the aisle together for the first time.
From Skating Rink to Lifelong Love
The Pughs’ story began in the 1950s at a skating rink where the young couple first fell in love. Rather than planning an elaborate ceremony, they chose to elope, beginning their married life without the traditional trappings of a wedding celebration.
Their decision to elope didn’t diminish their commitment. For 70 years, they built a life together, raising families, traveling, and even riding roller coasters well into their 90s. The couple also opened their home to host Bible studies, becoming pillars of their community.
A Long-Awaited Ceremony
On January 10, friends and family gathered at Cawson Street Church of Christ in Hopewell, Virginia, to witness the Pughs renew their vows. The afternoon ceremony represented more than just a celebration-it fulfilled a lifetime wish.
As guests arrived, the joy and humor of the occasion were evident. One attendee jokingly asked Harold, “It’s a big decision, are you sure you want to get married?” The 91-year-old groom responded with a laugh, “I think I will.”
Wedding Day Details
For their special day, the couple dressed in elegant attire befitting the long-awaited occasion. Harold wore a dark suit complemented by a gray tie and a white rose boutonnière. Frances chose a formal light gray sequined jacket and gown set, accessorizing with a sparkling floral necklace and matching dangling earrings. She carried a bouquet of white satin roses embellished with pearls and silver jewels.
The ceremony included heartfelt moments as the officiant reflected on their journey together. “Traveling, riding roller coasters in your 90s, hosting Bible studies in your home, we see in you a pair blessed by God with years of life and the wisdom to take advantage of every opportunity to live it,” he said.
Emotions Run High
As she prepared to walk down the aisle, escorted by two relatives, Frances couldn’t contain her excitement. “Look at my handsome husband up there,” she said, taking in the moment she’d waited 70 years to experience.
The emotional impact of the day overwhelmed the bride. “I just feel so blessed,” Frances told News Of Losangeles. “After all these years, I still love him, I cherish him, I appreciate all he’s done for me over these years.”
Harold’s admiration for his wife remained as strong as ever. He simply stated to the outlet that Frances is “a special girl.”
Community Celebration
The nuptials featured a wedding cake adorned with edible white roses and a glittery silver “70 Years Blessed” topper, symbolizing the couple’s remarkable milestone. Guests celebrated not just the ceremony, but the Pughs’ impact on their community.
Multiple attendees praised the couple’s selfless nature to the local news station. “They would deny themselves everything and give to anyone that needs,” one guest remarked. Another added, “They just are a wonderful, wonderful couple and they just have inspired me.”
Secrets to Lasting Love
When asked about their formula for a successful 70-year marriage, the Pughs offered straightforward advice. “Pick the right person as you will spend the rest of your life and I think the second thing is just as important, put God first,” they told News Of Losangeles.
Their wisdom reflects the foundation that carried them through seven decades together-careful partner selection and shared spiritual values.
A Lifetime of Memories
The vow renewal represents more than just a delayed wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the fulfillment of a dream postponed by circumstance but never forgotten. From their chance meeting at a skating rink to building a life together without the formal recognition of a wedding, the Pughs demonstrated that the essence of marriage lies not in ceremonies but in daily commitment.
Their story serves as inspiration for couples everywhere, proving that it’s never too late to celebrate love. Whether married for months or decades, the Pughs show that honoring relationships and creating meaningful moments remains important at any stage of life.
The January ceremony brought together multiple generations to witness a love story that began in the 1950s and continues to inspire today. As Harold and Frances begin their 71st year of marriage, they do so with the memory of finally having the wedding they always wanted.
