For many years, May 1st has stood as a milestone date for Le Cong The, 86, and Nguyen Thi Nga, 79, from Ninh Binh. On this day every year, their five daughters regularly organize a joint birthday and wedding anniversary celebration for their parents.

The heartfelt wishes and small yet meaningful gifts from their children and grandchildren have brought beautiful memories for the couple over the years.

This year's May 1st occasion became even more extraordinary as it marked exactly 55 years since The and Nga tied the knot. To honor this meaningful milestone, their descendants organized an "emerald wedding" celebration, reminiscent of the steadfast and unbreakable bond the couple has shared for over half a century.

"My mother-in-law, the couple's eldest daughter, alongside my uncles and aunts, had planned the ceremony well in advance. Family members discussed everything through the family chat group and divided tasks clearly. Some prepared the food, others arranged the backdrop, flowers and outfits. Some took charge of the banquet, others handled backdrop printing, while others prepared fresh flowers and attire.

“We, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren generations, also offered our enthusiastic support," said Do Thuy Linh (born in 1994, currently living in Hanoi), a granddaughter-in-law of The.

On the morning of May 1st, descendants gathered in full attendance at The's residence. Pitching in together, each person lent a hand to sweep, set up the backdrop, and arranged fresh flowers, making the couple's small house look as though it had put on a brand-new coat. The joyful and bustling atmosphere filled the elderly couple with immense excitement.

"My grandparents were escorted to a private room. The granddaughters applied makeup for grandmother, while the grandsons helped grandfather dress up. My grandmother wore a red ao dai, a bridal veil on her head, and held a wedding bouquet, while grandfather wore a suit. It felt as though we were transported 55 years back in time, attending our grandparents' original wedding," Linh shared.

Hand in hand, the couple walked forward amid cheers from their children and grandchildren. They offered incense to their ancestors, cut a celebratory cake and posed for family photographs.

In an emotional moment, The told his wife: "We have been happy together for 55 years, and that is something truly wonderful. Thank you for building a warm family with me and raising such a loving family. I hope we will continue holding hands tightly for a long time on the journey ahead."

Fighting back tears, Nga thanked her husband: "You have been a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I hope we will find each other again in another life."

"Witnessing that moment made me emotional and happy. To me, 55 years is not only proof of a beautiful and lasting love but also of the sacrifices they have made for their children and grandchildren," Linh said.

The family prepared four banquet tables and spent the day together sharing memories and singing. Among all the moments of the reunion, what Linh remembers most is the happiness reflected in her grandparents' smiles.

A love that endured 

During her five years as a daughter-in-law in the family, Linh has often heard stories about her grandparents' romance. Their simple yet profound love story has become part of the extended family.

Many years ago, The and Nga worked as teachers. They first met while serving as exam supervisors in the former Ha Nam Province.

At the time, Nga nearly missed the assignment because of health issues. Thanks to assistance from relatives who helped transport her to the examination site, she was able to attend as planned. That coincidence led to her meeting The.

"My grandfather always considered it a special destiny because without that help from her relatives, he would never have met my grandmother.

“After the exam session, they talked together. My grandmother offered him candy, and he gave her some plums. Instead of eating the fruit immediately, she joked: 'I'll take these home and plant them so I can enjoy plums for years to come.' It was a simple remark, but it felt like a promise of the lasting bond they would share," Linh said.

The's five daughters reside across Hanoi and Ninh Binh. The elderly couple lives independently in their cozy home in the countryside.

Ha Nguyen