Golden Anniversary

Take twelve on the twelfth worked out well in June—it was Ralph & Judy's 50th wedding anniversary! 

We had tried to figure out what we were doing to celebrate this milestone for almost a year, and finally in May got enough feedback to know that they did not want a big party with everyone they knew invited, just something with their kids, grandkids, siblings and parents. It wasn't much time, but we got to work and made it happen. It turned out even better than we could have hoped.

Here are the details:

There were 40 of us, including the guests-of-honor. A few couldn't make travel arrangements with the short notice we gave, but Ralph & Judy were thrilled to have Matt & Colin there from Chicago, and Rich all the way from Atlanta.

We held it in the common room at City Creek, which turned out great. Melissa and I found a couple of these table clothes right away, and then spent hours looking for more so we'd have enough. I think it turned out beautifully.

I LOVED the flower arrangements—my friend Christianne, owner of Urban Flowers, did them, and they were spectacular.

Serendipitously, Ralph bought Judy 50 yellow roses. We couldn't have planned it better if we'd tried.

Judy even wore the perfect coordinating outfit.

All of Ralph's siblings were there except Grant and Edie (previous commitment). They all traveled from St. George for the event.

Everyone (except Carl) from the Backman clan:

All of their kids were there except Joe. We really need to have one of those cardboard cutout stand-ins made. :)

Here are ten of the fifteen grandchildren.

Back row: Joey, Robbie, Jonas, Samantha

Front row: Duffy, Ainsley, Ralph, Peter, Colin, Judy, Ellie, Amelia

We missed Matej, Maya & Jack (the Atlanta Marshes) and Charlie & Clara (the Chicago Marshes)

I feel lucky to be a part of this family.

After torturing everyone with my camera, we sat down for dinner. It was catered by Temple Square Hospitality, and although the presentation wasn't exactly what I'd envisioned, the food was delicious. 

Smith Chicken

Breast of Chicken Topped with Ham, Swiss Cheese and Sauce Mornay 

Served with Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetables,

Dinner Salad and Rolls

Dessert: Fresh Fruit Tarts

After dinner, each of the children paid tribute to their parents. Because Ralph has written and read a poem for each of them at their wedding dinners, we thought a few poems to reciprocate would be appropriate. Push play to hear Rob's:

Unfortunately, I forgot to upload the photos on my memory card on my camera before we went (remember all those end-of-school photos?) so after his poem I had very little memory left, and did not get video of anyone else. It's a shame. Melissa, Rich and Matt also wrote funny-yet-touching poems plus some added remarks, Dan included Joe's tribute in with his, and Jake had a pretty good argument for not writing a poem, since Ralph hasn't written one for him yet. :) He had us all choked up with his tribute though.

We ended with a slideshow that I made over the previous three weeks. Ainsley told Judy, "Oh grandma, you're going to love it, my mom has given her whole life for it." She's not at all dramatic. :) I'm happy with the way it turned out—just over 31 minutes long, the first half is a When Harry Met Sally type interview, and the second half has 343 photos spanning their lives, most of which I had to scan and edit. I had been wanting to see family photos for years, and finally got my wish! It was well worth the time and effort. I wish I could get it posted, but apparently even the smallest size is too big to post.

Ralph and Judy got the last word, thanking everyone there and sharing their love. 

Golden Anniversary, check. I'm looking forward to their Platinum Anniversary in 20 years. :)