It’s a privilege to be a part of the start of so many marriages, but in May we had the unique honor of helping celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Hector and Brenda McEachern met in college – they were best friends who enjoyed the same things and spending time together. Being college students, they didn’t have a formal ceremony when they got married. But that hasn’t negatively impacted their relationship -- if you ask them, they’ll tell you, “it’s not about the wedding, it’s about the marriage. While weddings are nice and show an outward display of love to others, when everyone goes home, it’s the two of you. Weddings are nice, but the marriage is key.”
After 50 years together, they decided to have the celebration of their love that they never had in college.
The planning process
Hector and Brenda’s 50th celebration was their second event with us, and we couldn’t wait to help make their vision come to life. We worked with them and Events by Nishaka for 11 months before their big event to plan all the details.
After a seated dinner, they had a vow renewal and then enjoyed toasts from family and friends. It was evening full of romance, elegance, and glam.
Brenda says, “Jaime were very organized and cordial. She responded quickly and accommodated our every request big and small. The day of the event, the serving staff was pleasant as well as the event manager. All our needs were met.”
Video: Katrena Wise Artography
Florist: Blossom Artistry
Cake: Triton Catering & Dessert
Planner & Coordinator: Events by Nishaka
Music: DJ Nick Nyce
Photographer: Howard Gaither Photography
Stationary: UR Invited
Décor
Hector and Brenda went with a burgundy and gold color scheme, which even carried to Brenda’s gown. Tasteful sparkle glittered throughout the room and the couple sat on white and gold throne chairs.
The theme of “50 Years of Love” was woven throughout the evening.
Photos of the couple throughout their 50 years were stationed around the room.
Favorite Moment
The couple enjoyed the entire day, saying “It was a culmination of our family and friends coming together to celebrate our union. We were able to show what love, communication, encouragement and faithfulness looks like in black and white. It spanned generations. It was a delight and we are so grateful that our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were able to experience what 50 years of a commitment looks like, in a tangible way.”
Food and Drink
Before dinner, several appetizers circulated the room including a favorite of sundried tomato biscuits stuffed with homemade pimento cheese.
Guests highlighted the grilled vegetables as a favorite of the buffet dinner. The couple also received several compliments on the two meats -- bourbon and pecan coated chicken breast with apricot sauce and marinated flank steak with pommery mustard sauce.
For dessert, a spread of vanilla cupcakes surrounded a burgundy and gold hat cake.
Venue
With a guest list of 250, this couple utilized every part of The Colonnade. The downstairs area provided plenty of space for dancing while the upstairs was set up for the reception.
50 years together
After 50 years together, this couple is obviously onto something special! When asked what advice they would give to their grandchildren about finding a mate, they replied:
Brenda: “To pray and ask God to send someone that believes in them, understands them and encourages them.”
Hector: “Seek guidance from God, be unselfish, become friends first and always be willing to give as much or more than you get.”
To see even more of their special day, check out this video by Katrena Wise Artography: