A Newmarket couple who celebrated 55 years of marriage said the key to a long relationship is "not to take life too seriously" and to "never hold a grudge".
Michael Harold Jensen, 82, who lives at Care UK's Kentford Manor on Jeddah Way, and his wife Linda, 78, renewed their wedding vows at the care home to mark the anniversary.
Surrounded by their family and friends, the pair redeclared their love for one another after Linda walked down the aisle to Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream with her daughter and son-in-law.
Following the service, the team at Kentford Manor served a romantic three-course lunch with champagne for all of the guests.
When asked for advice on how to have a long and happy marriage, the couple said: "Always respect each other and do things together. Remember each day not to take life too seriously – marriage should be fun, and you should laugh every day, so never hold a grudge."
Michael was born in Southgate in 1942 and work at the age of 16 in London, progressing through the ranks and gaining experience in international business.
In 1987 Michael founded a successful broking company, where he spent several years travelling around the world on business.
Michael’s successful career saw him receive a Freedom of the City award for services to business.
The pair were introduced by a mutual friend in London, and it was love at first sight for Michael, who asked Linda on a date to the Play Boy Club on Park Lane, and according to Michael – “the rest is history!”
They married in 1969 at Buckhurst Hill in Essex, and went on to have two daughters together. They are now the proud grandparents to four grandchildren.
Michael and Linda moved to Istanbul for Michael’s business, and later moved to Hertfordshire and London, before retiring and settling in Suffolk to enjoy country life.
Kat Rayment, general manager at Kentford Manor, said: "We had a fantastic time celebrating Michael and Linda’s vow renewal after 55 years of marriage. It's easy to see just how much they adore each other – they’re a real inspiration to us all.
"The Kentford Manor team worked so hard to turn the home into a lavish wedding venue fit for the wonderful occasion, making it the perfect place to make their vows official once again. We were honoured to play a part in such an important occasion.
"Here’s to the couple and many more years of their happy marriage."
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