But, it is not every day people celebrate 60 years of marriage.
St Kilda couple John and Daphne Lowery marked their diamond wedding anniversary yesterday and a highlight was a signed card from the monarch.
"I nearly died when we got those cards," Mrs Lowery said yesterday.
"I mean, we know them so well ..."
The couple were married at Mt Albert Baptist Church, Auckland, on August 26, 1950.
"We took the traditional vows: 'For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health'," said Mr Lowery (84).
"I'm 85 in October," he said.
"We're very dedicated Christians and togetherness has been a feature of our marriage. We've always talked things out and prayed. It's amazing how God answers prayer.
"The things we've shared together have been much more important than the difficult times. When times are tough, tough people don't give up. The tough times don't last."
A retired builder, Mr Lowery helped construct the hall of the South Dunedin Baptist Church, where the couple are parish members, and helped build the Rainbow Preschool centre 10 years ago.
"We enjoy doing the same things and have the same interests, like music and singing," Mrs Lowery (81) said.
"We're also in the over-60 club and enjoy tramping and walking. We've had the most wonderful retirement years."
The couple have five adult children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who are travelling from as far away as Brisbane to celebrate their diamond anniversary at the Rainbow Preschool centre in South Dunedin tomorrow.
