Thirty couples were honoured for the longevity of their marriages in an event by Heart to Heart Marriage Mentoring Ministries and Bermuda CableVision.

The happy pairs, nominated by members of the public and selected after an interviewing process, enjoyed a high tea at The Hamilton Princess and Beach Club on Sunday.

Bermuda CableVision had advertised for people to put forward couples who had been married for 50-plus years; 70 couples were nominated and, after rounds of interviews, 30 of them were selected to be recognised.

The event, “Salute Marriage: 50 to 59 Years”, was organised by Mildred and Allan Hunt of Heart to Heart. Salute stands for Stop And Look Up To Enduring, Exciting, Energetic, Eventful, Encouraging, Effective, Enlightening and Enriching marriage.

The celebration featured entertainment including the re-enactment of a bridal procession at a wedding, singers including Toni Robinson, Elca Maranzana and Mr Hunt, comedy by Bootsie and salsa dancing by Ricky and Greashena Spence.

Each couple was honoured and presented with an award courtesy of Bermuda CableVision. Lady B and Dwayne Caines served as Masters of Ceremonies.

Mrs Hunt said: “We were so happy to honour the 30 couples who were nominated by members of the public. The objective was to celebrate marriage as we believe marriage is the bedrock of all successful societies. On behalf of my husband and I, I would like to again congratulate the couples on their long, successful marriages.”

Terry Roberson, CEO of Bermuda CableVision, said: “We were delighted to partner with Heart to Heart to honour those couples in our community who have been married for decades. We believe that strong families make strong communities and salute these couples for developing kindness, love and respect for each other over so many years.”