Josie Hair, 82, loves her husband, Max, 89, because he has always put her first.
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It was only fitting Max would surprise his wife with a vow renewal ceremony in Kiama on their 60th wedding anniversary.
Josie suspected Max was up to something for a while - and when Max volunteered to drive on Saturday, her suspicions were confirmed.
"I thought, 'Why are we going up there for coffee, I don't even like the coffee,'" she said.
Max parked the car near Peace Park and they were met by two of their grandchildren who were carrying flowers.
Surrounded by relatives, the Kiama Downs couple recited their original wedding vows at the park.
"He has always been there for me, he used to go and have a few beers with the fellas, but he's always been a family man," Josie said.
"Never a day goes past unless he tells me he loves me.
"I've never thought of leaving him, he has never thought of leaving me."
They first met while Max was serving in the navy in 1958, and married on February 28, 1959.
Together they have raised three children. They now have four grandchildren and have recently become great-grandparents. And like any long-term relationship, challenges have cropped up.
"We’ve had our ups and downs, our illnesses, our little domestic fights," Josie said.
"I do most of the driving now, it's a little frustrating for him. When I park on my own, I drive in nice and straight, with Maxie it always seems to be on a slant, or with more room on one side rather than the other."
Josie is thankful to have outlasted many of their dearest friends.
"We are very lucky to be here," Josie said.
"We still have each other."
Max and Josie hope to continue their happy life together doing the things they love - bowling, going on cruises and spending time with friends and family.
