Cammeray residents Richard and Cheryl Kuipers have been happily married for 40 years.
But they’re going to commit themselves to each other for the second time, with a whole new set of vows on September 13.
“Everyone said it wouldn’t last, says Richard.”
“I had no money, no prospects and I was marrying the rose from Tasmania,” he says.
“Forty years later, a lot has changed – and we’re still talking to each other,” he laughs.
Things have certainly changed. Richard is now a successful businessman, who started removals company Two Men And A Truck from his backyard in Cremorne more than 20 years ago.
It’s now a thriving Australia-wide family business, with its NSW headquarters based in St Leonards.
Richard attributes much of his success to his wife Cheryl and his three daughters.
So why the need to renew their nuptials?
Richard says ‘in sickness and in health’ takes on a new meaning after 50 – and the traditional vows need some updating if he’s to remember to take his pills every day.
“Every good relationship requires a bit of maintenance and we need to make some amendments for our later life style,” he says.
Some of Richard’s commitments to Cheryl on September 13 will be:
- I promise to remember to take my pills on time
- I will see the doctor regularly
- I will do what I’m told
Richard and Cheryl will renew their vows at a private ceremony with a celebrant at Cremorne among family members, friends, and wine.