Motivation
80-Year-Old Deshun Wang Does Not Give Up On His Dreams
"No one can keep you from success except you."
- Deshun Wang
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"No one can keep you from success except you."
- Deshun Wang
When Gary and Linda Manna eloped in 1964, they knew they would be together forever. What they didn’t know was that one day they would actually be able to have the wedding of their dreams.
Gary and Linda Manna met more than six decades ago and knew they were meant to be together. So they eloped in Reno, Nevada, had five kids, and have been together ever since. According to them, the secret to their long-lasting happiness is forgiveness, faith, and music, and spending as little time apart as possible.
However they did it, 60 years is a heck of a marriage milestone, and Gary knew he wanted to celebrate in a big way.
“I wanted her to have a wedding,” Gary told a local news outlet, WOWT.
So Gary worked with the Dreamweaver Foundation, a non-profit that helps older adults celebrate joyful experiences.
“Having a life-limiting illness is how we’re able to grant their wish and fulfill their bucket list dream. Sometimes it might be a birthday party. But sometimes it’s an anniversary celebration,” a foundation representative, Kelly Jacobs, told the outlet.
Not only did Gary and Linda get the wedding of their dreams, but the big event also doubled as a family reunion. In fact, the wedding marked the first time in years that all of the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids had been together at the same time.
The couple’s children were a part of the wedding, too. Their daughters walked down the aisle with Linda, while Gary and Linda’s eldest son, Mike Manna, officiated the ceremony.
“The main thing was to honor them. Sixty years. There are not that many couples that have stayed together for 60 years. They were a great example to us, my brothers and sisters," Mike said.
As for Gary and Linda, they danced, kissed, and enjoyed their special day in full. They also reiterated that even though they’re getting older now, they know they’ll be together in the next chapter, too.
“We also know and believe we’ll be with family,” added Linda.
It’s always nice to hear stories about couples who have managed to stay together through thick and thin because marriage is definitely not always easy. But what’s really sweet about Gary and Linda’s story is that they still had the best marriage despite not having that big wedding initially.
It’s a nice reminder for those who are tying the knot to not get swept up in unimportant details like napkins, flowers, or dresses. Sure, those things are beautiful and can add gorgeous details to your special day, but what really matters is the marriage itself.
By putting time and energy into the person you’re choosing to spend the rest of your life with instead, you can hopefully lay the groundwork for a long and happy marriage like Gary and Linda's. Not all marriages make it, and that’s okay, too. But remembering what matters and putting things into perspective is always key.
Weddings are full of surprises, but Jony Macapagal, 20, and her husband, Alistair Lee, 20, pulled off one that no one saw coming.
It wasn’t a quirky dance or a dazzling fireworks display. Instead, they shocked their guests by shaving their heads at their own wedding. And the reason behind it is heartwarming.
When Jony and Alistair tied the knot at the Allely Estate in Kumeu, New Zealand, their guests were ready for a traditional Filipino dance, as is common at weddings. But this couple had something far more meaningful planned.
After their first dance, the DJ announced that they’d be shaving their heads — in solidarity with Jony's mom, Luna, who had been bravely fighting stage 4 ovarian cancer for three years. What might have been an ordinary wedding transformed into a deeply moving moment of unity, love, and support.
As Alistair sat down for Jony to shave his head, the room was a mix of laughter and tears. The surprise didn't end there — Alistair then took the clippers and shaved his bride’s head too. It was a powerful statement about their support for Luna and anyone battling cancer.
Jony and Alistair's journey together began way before their wedding day. They met as children and went to the same school, sharing years of memories. After dating for three years, Alistair proposed to Jony in the beautiful Auckland Botanical Gardens. Of course, he made sure to ask Luna's permission first, showing the deep respect and love he had for Jony’s family.
Their unique proposal set the tone for a wedding filled with love and compassion. The couple's decision to shave their heads wasn’t just a touching tribute — it was a continuation of the bond and solidarity that had grown over their lifetime together.
When Jony and Alistair shaved their heads at their wedding, it was meant as a private gesture to comfort Luna, who felt insecure about losing her hair during chemotherapy. Tragically, Luna passed away two months after the wedding, leaving the couple and their family devastated. However, what they didn’t expect was the attention their heartfelt act would receive.
Their goal wasn't to go viral but to show Luna she wasn't alone. Despite their intentions, the story spread like wildfire, catching the world's attention. Some detractors claimed it was just for show, but Jony and Alistair explained that they hadn’t shared any footage — their wedding photographer had posted it, leading to its viral spread.
Jony and Alistair's story resonated with people worldwide, triggering an outpouring of love and support. Jony shared on Instagram how grateful her family was for the positive response. What began as a personal tribute to her mother grew into a global expression of empathy and compassion. The couple never anticipated the momentum their story would gain, but they were grateful for the connections it created.
"My family and I have been overwhelmed with the response we've gotten from our wedding tribute to mummy. I know for a fact my mummy would have loved to give you all a big hug. She would love to let you know you are not alone and to stay strong."
Jony Macapagal
Jony explained that although their donations page has since closed, the funds raised were donated to Cancer Society New Zealand. For those interested in donating, she encourages supporting any organization that has positively impacted your family.
The couple's experience shows that even the smallest gestures of kindness can make a big difference, and love can come from the most unexpected places.If this story touched your heart, you can donate here.