For Dona Rosa and Seu Russo, 2017 marks 60 years together as a married couple. The pair wed in a quaint ceremony in Brazil, attended only by family. But with no photos of their wedding day, Dona and Seu decided to recreate those precious memories from six decades ago in honour of their Diamond Anniversary. Dona tells of their incredible journey as a couple below.
How did you meet? We were around 10 or 12 years old when he moved to the farm and we met each other. After a few years, when we were around 15 or 16, we went on a trip with some friends and he all of a sudden kissed me—I got really mad. When he turned 18, he joined the army and we separated for a while.
How did your partner propose? It was not easy for us because my father would not accept our relationship. Once, we were together at a party, and at around 4pm my father showed up and got really angry because I was with him. That is when he said that if we wanted to stay together, we had to get married. Therefore, with no proposal, we were engaged, and three months later we got married.
Do you remember your wedding day? It was a simple but very beautiful party with our families. That was on July 30 1957, with no pictures—only memories in our minds. My sister-in-law had made my dress for me, and Seu was wearing a very beautiful black suit and white shirt … my endless love.
How did you know your partner was the one? When I was 15 or 16 years old, I could recognise a very special, well-dressed, hardworking, serious, honest and polite young man. He was the man I always wanted to spend my whole life with.
How have you kept your relationship strong all these years? Based in love, respect and faith in God, with the only purpose of staying together until death do us part, overcoming all the difficulties. Separation never once crossed our minds.
How do you both deal with conflict? We have a great faith in God, and support one another with respect and kindness.
What do you find attractive about your partner? Everything is attractive about him; I see the handsome man of when we were young. He has always provided for our family with kindness.
Have there been any challenges in your relationship? Yes, many challenges, just like any other couple. But we managed them one by one, always keeping in mind our children, and seeking God for strength and grace. We had nine children, so we wanted to be good role models for them.
