An elderly couple who didn’t have a wedding ceremony when they got married in 1972, were surprised when their family organized a full church ceremony and a party for their 50th wedding anniversary.
Scottie and Kay first met in March 1972, when Scottie was living with her sister and brother-in-law in Ohio.
Kay, who is Scottie’s brother-in-law’s brother, was invited to a Sunday dinner, and the rest was history. The couple tied the knot at a courthouse in North Carolina, a month after Scottie’s 19th birthday on Sept. 2, 1972. With most of their family in Virginia, the young couple opted for a quiet wedding.
Today, they have nine children, 26 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
When the couple’s family began to think of ideas for a surprise celebration for their 50th wedding anniversary, one of their grandchildren, Maddie Ilapit, who got married in October 2021, recalled Scottie wishing she'd also had a wedding with all the family present.
“My brother, Travis, is a photographer,” Maddie told The Epoch Times. “We had previously done Scottie’s makeup for weddings, and just for fun; we knew if we told her that we wanted to do her makeup so my brother could take photos for their anniversary, they would believe us.”
Maddie, her mom, Lisa, her aunt Bonnie, and her sister Elle put their heads together to make it a reality. The wedding would take place at Oakland Christian Church in Suffolk, Virginia. Scottie and Kay’s children would be the bridal party, two granddaughters would be flower girls, and family, friends, and coworkers would be in attendance, to shower the couple with their love and best wishes.
“The day came, and we had Scottie and Kay come over, to do Scottie’s makeup,” Maddie said. “My mom had purchased a dress for her to wear for the photos, and we told her we would be going to this ‘pretty church down the street’ so Travis could take photos of them in front of the stained glass. When we got there, all the guests were inside the chapel, waiting.”
Neither Scottie nor Kay noticed the cars parked outside the church, Maddie said. Kay entered with Elle and was met by family and friends, while Travis pretended to take photos of Scottie outside.
Next, it was Scottie’s turn to be surprised.
“She was very surprised ... there was not a dry eye,” Maddie said. “Seeing the joy and emotion in Scottie, especially her children’s faces getting to witness their parents get married again after 50 years together ... there was so much love that filled the room, and they couldn’t be more deserving.”
“It was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me,” Scottie told The Epoch Times. “When I walked to the front and all my beautiful children were dressed, standing there, smiling at us, all I could think was, ‘This is my life,’ and how grateful I was to be surrounded by them.”
After the wedding ceremony, guests joined Scottie and Kay for dinner and dancing at the same church, with food prepared by their daughter Lacey, and Scottie’s close friend Shanda. Maddie’s brother, Justin, and her husband were the DJs.
The blushing “bride” and her proud husband shared with The Epoch Times why their marriage has stood the test of time.
Kay said: “She’s just such a caring and loving person. She’s sweet and beautiful, inside and out. There’s a Don Williams song that goes, ‘You’re my bread when I’m hungry, you’re my shelter from a troubled wind, you’re my anchor in life’s ocean, but most of all you’re my best friend,’ and that’s how l feel about Scottie.”
Scottie added: “I love his patience with his family, his kindness, and his willingness to help others.”
Respect, love, and compromise are the couple’s cornerstones of a longevous marriage.
“Never use harsh words toward another, always say I’m sorry, and always say I love you ... you have to accept people for who they are,” they advised. “We’ve had a wonderful life and wonderful children, we would do it all over again. We are so thankful.”
Maddie, who says video footage of her grandparents’ special day has gleaned nothing but positive comments from netizens, hopes that sharing Scottie and Kay’s love story inspires others to be kind to their loved ones.
“We are not promised tomorrow, and memories together can last a lifetime,” she said. “I come from a very large family on both sides ... we’ve lost many along the way, so I am always reminded that if you have the opportunity to be together, or throw these silly parties or weddings, always follow your heart and do it.”
During their 50 years together, one of the hardest times Scottie and Kay had to face was when Scottie’s sister, Ann, passed away in 1982. Their family grew suddenly as they welcomed three of Ann’s children. Scottie became a stay-at-home mom until she returned to nursing school, finally graduating at 40.
“Raising a large family brought lots of chaos at times,” Maddie said, “[but] their faith and love for each other was enough to be able to overcome any stress and obstacles that came their way.”
Having witnessed her grandparents’ love and commitment toward each other over the last several years, she added: “Scottie and Kay are the kindest people you will ever meet.
“They have been such role models to me and our family ... they have shown me that spending time with your loved ones means more than any words or gifts you could give, they have shown me that true love that can last 50-plus years exists, and they’ve done it with a smile on their face!”
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