Real Wedding: Tom & Jan’s Sweet 40th Anniversary

June 8, 2012 was quite the milestone for Texas sweethearts Tom and Jan, because that day they were surprised with a party to celebrate their 40 years of marriage! Natasha Brown Photography, who was on hand to capture this heartwarming event, shared this fun surprise party with us. The longtime loves thought they would simply be having a casual dinner with friends, but their 4 children had something quite different in mind!

Jan had wished for a 40^th anniversary celebration that was “a wedding reception-type party, where people could just come, eat, hang out and dance,” and that’s exactly what her and Tom got – but with a twist. Her kids lovingly put much effort into creating a party that was reminiscent of the parent’s original wedding back in 1962. Tom and Jan danced to the very same song as they had so many years ago for their First Dance, and the cake was created to look much like the one they had on their wedding day, with a cake-cutting ceremony to boot!

The details brought into the anniversary celebration were also done beautifully, with simple yet chic centerpieces in glass vases that included lemon and lime slices, tall white floral décor and candles in mason jars. And of course, the very personalized detail of having pictures of the anniversary couple on each one of the tables, as well as pics from their original wedding placed around the room added a sweet sentiment to the entire ambience. There were also sweet little personalized party favors, with bags of Hershey kisses bearing the couple’s monogram awaiting each guest on the tables.

And – the party was even wedding-sized, with a guest list of 120 friends and fam that came from all across the country to celebrate lasting love with Jan and Tom. As an awww-inducing addition, the children and 9 grandchildren spoke of the example Jan and Tom have set forth for each and every one of them, a result of their strong and loving marriage. After everyone delighted in a delicious catered meal, the DJ kept the party going and everyone hit the dance floor!

This is truly an example of a charming and beautiful way to celebrate a long and happy marriage. Congratulations to Tom and Jan, and here’s to another 40 happy years!

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