Sunday, 12 October 2025

65 Years of Wedded Bliss

Back in 2020, I created a special card to mark this couple's 60th wedding anniversary. At the time I received a copy of their wedding photo and recreated it in paper, showing the groom in his top hat and his bride in her lace dress and flowing veil. Last month their daughter contacted me once again and asked if I could make a card for her parents who were now celebrating 65 years of wedded bliss!
This time she asked if I could use a recent picture of her parents, but to show them with a 65th anniversary cake, and not the Leyton Orient F.C. one that was in the photo she sent me!
Their daughter also asked me to recreate the setting of their salon, with its pale pink walls, and to include a couple of family photos in the background. One shows almost the entire family, though without the couple's daughter-in-law, who was unwell with corona on the day the photo was taken. To make up for her absence, the second photo features her alongside her husband on their wedding day.
I carefully created the portraits of my customer's parents, adding all the little details like the glasses hanging on a chain around her neck and the tumbler of whisky in his hands. I then added a large round cake on the table in front of them, photoshopping the greeting "Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary Mum & Dad onto it. I added some tiny red and pink flowers to the cake for a pop of colour.
The 65th wedding anniversary is known as the Blue Sapphire Anniversary. It is traditionally celebrated with the gift of blue sapphire, symbolizing strength, power, and the enduring love of a long marriage. However, this is a relatively modern convention, unlike the centuries-old traditions of silver, gold, or diamond anniversaries.
Once again the couple loved their card. "Thank you so much for the beautiful anniversary card you made for my parents" my customer wrote. "They loved it.
On the 8th October, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement and signed the first phase of a 20-point plan to end the war. A ceasefire came into effect on the 10th of October.
As part of this first phase, all living hostages are to be released tomorrow, 13th October, in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 terrorists serving life sentences. Israel has already begun withdrawing its forces to pre-designated lines within the Gaza Strip.
Since the war began in October 2023, I have lit an extra candle every Shabbat, reciting a small prayer in my head for the safe return of the hostages. On Friday evening, I lit what I hope was my last extra candle, and tomorrow I pray I'll be celebrating the hostages' long-awaited return.
Still, my heart aches for the families whose loved ones won't be coming home. I think of the thousands who lost family and friends so brutally on the 7th October, and of the hundreds of soldiers who gave their lives - among them Gadi’s dear friends, Yakir and Ariel. Their bravery and their loss will never be forgotten.

Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs

20 comments:

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

Their wedding story is beautiful as is your card. And may peace come to you and yours.

Sandi said...

Love the card. What a great idea!

It sounds like a bad idea to release those 250, but I am relieved the hostages are coming home.

💙

hels said...

65 years together is amazing. It must have taken them dedication, good health, mutual respect and mazel to reach the Blue Sapphire Anniversary.

🍂 Debby 🍁 said...

We too have consistently prayed for the release of the hostages. I stand with the Israeli people and pray for a successful and safe hostage release.

Love that photo and your work. Such talent!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

I love that you share your wonderful cards with us and explain the details. I am amazed that you were able to replicate a mini family photo. Beautiful card!! As for the remaining hostages, we are sitting with bated breath praying for their safe return tomorrow.

Kim Carberry said...

Oh wow! 65 years married is amazing, congrats to the happy couple. What a wonderful card!

Tea With Jennifer said...

Such an amazing card! And praising God that the hostages have been returned.
Shalom

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Mazel tov to the couple - 65 years is a wonderful anniversary!

EricaSta said...

What a pleasure... congratulations to this couple. Let me tell, my grandparents celebrate 60. Wedding Day too. I have tears of rememberings in my eyes.

Thank you for sharing at MosaicMonday ❤️

Rajani Rehana said...

Beautiful blog

Joanne said...

That is such a lovely card! I hope they have a wonderful anniversary! I was elated to hear of the release of the hostages. I am so tentatively hopeful the cease fire holds and each end keeps up their side of the bargain.

Laura @ Our Grand Lives said...

Sixty five years of marriage is a beautiful moment to celebrate and your card captured so many special touches, as always! Another thoughtful gift for the blessed recipients! I've been thinking of you and your country as October 13 arrived today and, I agree.... It's a bittersweet moment in time! I'm thrilled for the promise of peace and the reunions that are taking place but this day has come at such a giant cost. May no one forget!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Beautiful post and lovely card.

Life Images by Jill, Western Australia said...

so clever what you do - from photo to card. I am sure the recipients loved it. Enjoy your week. I am joining you from Mosaic Monday.

Amy Johnson said...

That is such an incredible anniversary card. And, I am so happy the rest of the living hostages have been returned home. I got so choked up watching the reunion videos yesterday. I can't even imagine the pain and suffering those poor families have been through.

R’s Rue said...

This is beautiful. God is good. Glad they’re back.
rkrsrue.blogspot.com

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

That card turned out amazing! You're so talented! It's been so heartwarming to see the hostages return but it was way too long and horrible!

handmade by amalia said...

Wasn't that the most amazing day? I was glued to the TV and had to cry, I still can't believe it's happened. And what an amazing card you've made, because through it all we can still celebrate.
Amalia
xo

Handmade in Israel said...

I was also glued to the TV all day, but I am struggling with the fact that 19 hostages remain in Gaza while their families wait for them. Hamas seem to be playing games.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Love how this card turned out, so cute. Congrats to this lovely couple. I am happy to feature your special card at Love Your Creativity.