A golden celebration for 50 years of marriage!

The reception hall at the Pembroke Falls Club House was elegantly draped in gold and cream to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Resie Marks and Dudley Hibbert - the event was held in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Family and friends came adorned in fine cocktail dresses and dapper suits to honour not just the 50 years of marriage of this couple, but to acknowledge their all-encompassing kindness and selflessness that many who gathered had experienced first-hand.

Ambassador Audrey Marks, Jamaica's ambassador to the United States and niece of the celebrants, made the trek to Florida to partake in this special occasion and to honour her aunt and uncle-in-law for the impact they had made on her life. In her toast, she wished them a happy golden anniversary and many more years of love and happiness.

The couple, affectionately called Aunt Cherry and Uncle Mikey, arrived to resounding applause, stylishly dressed and ready to renew their vows. Officiating minister Father Horace Ward of Holy Family Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, in his usual humorous way, engaged the guests as he walked the couple through the renewal of their vows.

Father Ward asked the couple and guests, what the secret was for this long and successful marriage, and while people threw out answers like commitment, honestly, respect and compromise, Uncle Mikey simply summed it up in one word, which he spelt, L-O-V-E. He added that this love is evident through the "production of three children" - Conrad, Charlene and Karen - "who were given by the Almighty".

The minister called the family to stand beside Aunt Cherry and Uncle Mikey as they recommitted themselves through their vows and exchanged rings as a sign of this renewed commitment.

Their son, Dr Conrad Hibbert, who took his time to make his toast, said he and his sisters were fortunate enough to have exceptional parents, whose kindness was shared with so many people. He said the event was more than just a celebration of this milestone, but to recognise "two people who've lived their lives to put themselves in a position to take care of everybody else".

Dr Hibbert, who said he was very excited about the event, told the gathering that when he asked his sisters in May what they were doing to mark their parents' 50th anniversary, they told him they would send them on a cruise. He said he immediately objected and told them, "We're having a party!" He said his sisters Charlene and Karen took over and threw this magnificent event for their parents.

An obviously emotional Dr Hibbert said, "I have had no other heroes in my life than my parents," adding that his family "is a family of, 'What you do is who you are'."

Other moving toasts came from family and friends who feel very close to Aunt Cherry and Uncle Mikey and who were happy to be a part of the event.

Guests dined on a scrumptious fare, which included Jamaican favourites curried goat and escoveitched fish as well as delicious vegetarian options.

Among the guests was legendary Jamaican artiste Pluto Shervington of Ram Goat Liver, Dat and I Man Born Ya fame.

- Sonia Morgan

Pictures were provided courtesy of David I. Muir