I am reposting this particular blog post because I was a bit busy today, celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary to the love of my life, Michael. I originally posted this back in February, in recognition of those celebrity couples who have been married more than 20 years. So I hope you enjoy today’s reposting of my {imaginary} dinner party with seven long-time married celebrity couples.
Happy 20th Anniversary to my sweet, loving husband, Michael! Thank you for being my rock, my friend, my lover, and my biggest supporter and critic. Thank you for loving me, even when I’m unloveable. You are my world. I love you to the moon and back, a thousand times over. And thank you for the new Tiffany & Co. earrings! I love them!
Here is some “advice”, if you want to call it that. It’s what I feel in my bones that young couples in love should do to nourish their love for each other:
May newlyweds, new or young couples, or long-time married couples find as much joy and love as I have. May you both look at each other in a new and loving light each and every day; may you make each other laugh and smile, even during the dark times; may you hold each other tight during the rough days as well as the good days; may you know the depth of each other’s love and know that no matter what, you have each other’s backs; may your disagreements or arguments me shorter than you love-making; and may you never go to bed mad at each other.
Always kiss each other before you go to bed, when you wake up, when you have to leave each other {for work or whatever}, and when you come back together. Hold hands; wrap your arms around each other for no reason than to feel their heartbeat next to yours; and always cuddle on the couch.
Always have a date night, at least once a week, and don’t let anything cause you to break that date. And if you have children, find a babysitter for that date night. It’s important as a couple that you keep your connection strong, even after you have children, because they will one day leave the nest and when they do, you’ll be alone together again and you don’t want to find out that you’re living with a stranger.
I have more advice, but I’ll save that for another day and another blog post. In the meantime, enjoy this reposting of my {imaginary} dinner party!
Yours Truly,
Vanessa
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I love throwing my {imaginary} dinner parties, and this month’s dinner party is special because I’ve invited seven celebrity couples who have all been married more than 20 years, which is practically a lifetime by Hollywood standards. My husband and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in October, so seeing how happy these couples appear to be, regardless of any past rumors about their marriages, should be an inspiration to every couple who celebrated Valentine’s Day last week. Can you say #relationshipgoals?
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith {married since 1997}
“We’ve been married 20 years and we’ve been asking ourselves [what’s the secret to marriage] and really at the end of the day it’s just not quitting.” – Will on his marriage to Jada
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedwick {married since 1988}
“When I don’t see Kyra, I look forward to seeing her. We talk a lot, and we make each other laugh. People want to know, “How do you do it in Hollywood?” I don’t have the answers. We just like to be together.” – Kevin on his relationship with Kyra
Meryl Streep and Don Gummer {married since 1978}
“You have to listen to your partner’s problems, suggestions, and advice, and accept that you’re note always right. Conversation is the key to a successful marriage.” – Meryl on her marriage to Don
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson {married since 1988}
“The secret to a happy marriage is just being married to the right woman. I got lucky with the wonderful Rita Wilson. I’m the luckiest man alive.” – Tom on his marriage to Rita
Denzel and Paulette Washington {married since 1983}
“The secret to a happy marriage? Do whatever your wife tells you. ‘Yes, dear.’ And breathe.” – Denzel on his wife, Paulette
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness {married since 1996}
“I have a terrific marriage, but unlike a lot of relationships where they ebb and flow, no matter what happens you fall deeper and deeper in love every day. It’s kind of the best thing that can happen to you. It’s thrilling.” – Hugh on his wife, Deb
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick {married since 1997}
“I love Matthew Broderick. Call me crazy, but I love him. We can only be in the marriage we are. We’re very devoted to our family and our lives. I love our life. I love that he’s the father of my children, and it’s because of him that there’s this whole other world that I love.” – Sarah on her marriage to Matthew
So what would I serve these lovely couples? I’d start out by serving some simple hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit, and a simple champagne punch cocktail. Then I’d serve Ina Garten’s signature roast chicken, with roasted potatoes and vegetables, and a fresh salad. For dessert, I’d either serve a fruit tart or individual strawberry shortcakes {made with Angel Food cake instead of pound cake}.
I would love to ask these couples what they feel like is the secret to their successful, and long, marriage, and how they deal with any rumors surrounding their marriage. I would also like to hear how each of the couples met, and when they knew that their spouse was “the one.”
What would you like to ask these couples, if given the chance?
Yours Truly,
Vanessa