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Love Story: European Tour Guide and Tourist Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage

Lydia Wilson06 mins

Chris and Carolyn: A Love Story Spanning 50 Years

Meant to Be: A Journey of Love

Today, Chris and Carolyn have been married for almost 50 years, reflecting on their love story as one that was truly meant to be. According to Carolyn, “It was just meant to be.”

European encounter: American tourist Carolyn fell in love with her Dutch tour guide Chris during a tour of Europe in 1971. Fifty years later, they're still together.
European encounter: American tourist Carolyn fell in love with her Dutch tour guide Chris during a tour of Europe in 1971. Fifty years later, they’re still together.

A Memorable Bus Trip

Carolyn was on a work excursion when she first met Chris. This three-week journey explored Scandinavia in a bright yellow bus, capturing the hearts of those aboard. Below is a photograph of that iconic bus in Norway.

Bus trip: Carolyn was traveling on a work excursion. The three week trip took Chris, Carolyn and her colleagues around Scandinavia in a bright yellow bus. Here's the bus photographed in Norway.
Bus trip: Carolyn was traveling on a work excursion. The three week trip took Chris, Carolyn and her colleagues around Scandinavia in a bright yellow bus. Here’s the bus photographed in Norway.

Growing Closer

As the trip progressed, Carolyn and Chris found themselves growing closer. “We started getting along better and better,” says Chris, marking the beginning of their romantic journey together.

Growing closer: Carolyn and Chris, pictured here outside the bus, grew closer as the trip progressed. 'We started getting along better and better,' says Chris.
Growing closer: Carolyn and Chris, pictured here outside the bus, grew closer as the trip progressed. “We started getting along better and better,” says Chris.

Unforgettable Moments Together

From the moment they met, Chris and Carolyn spent their evenings getting to know one another, leading to a deep and affectionate bond.

Falling in love: The couple spent long evenings chatting and getting to know one another. Here's another snapshot from that 1971 trip.
Falling in love: The couple spent long evenings chatting and getting to know one another. Here’s another snapshot from that 1971 trip.

Long-Distance Letters

After returning to their respective homes in the US and the Netherlands, Carolyn and Chris maintained their connection through heartfelt letters. “It was not unusual at all for us to get two or three letters a week,” recalls Chris, a testament to their commitment.

Long distance: Back in their respective homes in the US and the Netherlands, Carolyn and Chris started writing letters back and forth. 'It was not unusual at all for us to get two or three letters a week,' recalls Chris.
Long distance: Back in their respective homes in the US and the Netherlands, Carolyn and Chris started writing letters back and forth. “It was not unusual at all for us to get two or three letters a week,” recalls Chris.

The Engagement

When Chris visited the US in December of 1971, Carolyn sensed a special moment might occur. Her intuition was spot on as the pair celebrated their engagement.

Engagement party: When Chris planned a visit to the US that December 1971. Carolyn had a 'little feeling' he might propose. She was right -- here's Chris and Carolyn at their engagement party.
Engagement party: When Chris planned a visit to the US that December 1971. Carolyn had a “little feeling” he might propose. She was right — here’s Chris and Carolyn at their engagement party.

The Wedding Celebration

In May of 1973, Chris and Carolyn tied the knot in a joyful ceremony in the US. “It was just a great party, live band and all that — it was just absolutely fabulous,” recalls Chris, highlighting the excitement of that beautiful day.

Fabulous day: The couple got married in May 1973, in the US. 'It was just a great party, live band and all that -- it was just absolutely fabulous,' recalls Chris.
Fabulous day: The couple got married in May 1973, in the US. “It was just a great party, live band and all that — it was just absolutely fabulous,” recalls Chris.

A New Chapter Together

After saying “I do,” Carolyn and Chris settled in Oakland, California, and embraced life together. The couple welcomed their first child in 1974, embarking on a beautiful family journey.

New chapter: After the wedding, Carolyn and Chris settled into life together in Oakland, California. Here's the couple with their first born in 1974.
New chapter: After the wedding, Carolyn and Chris settled into life together in Oakland, California. Here’s the couple with their first born in 1974.

Grandparents at Last

Fast forward a few decades, and Carolyn and Chris have embraced grandparenthood. They cherish moments spent with their grandchildren, continuing to cultivate their close-knit family bonds.

Grandparents: Flash forward a few decades, and Carolyn and Chris now have grandchildren, here they are with one of their grandsons. The couple love spending time with their family.
Grandparents: Flash forward a few decades, and Carolyn and Chris now have grandchildren, here they are with one of their grandsons. The couple love spending time with their family.


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