Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Twenty Five Years Ago We Said, “OUI”

French Husband et moi

 

Twenty five years is a very long time.

 

Twenty five years ago today.

 

corey amaro

 

A man who barely spoke English, a woman who did not speak a word of French started a life together.

 

Wedding-photo

 

 

Twenty five years ago we danced our dance to "Stand by Me".

 

 

Toile-du-jouey french antique Corey Amaro

 

One never knows what will happen, especially over twenty five years. If someone loves you, truly loves you, they will stand by you… witness your journey, share your joy, hold your tears as sacred jewels, carry you over fire, laugh with you over nothing but a look, dance with you all night long, and sleep with your cold feet.

 

 

Yann and corey

 

Twenty five years… I know French, you know English, we have known love.

 

It isn't simple, and that is okay, love never is.

 

 

Candle-light

 

I came home tonight to candlelight,

with "our song" playing,

you took me in your arms

and we danced– in the moment, that sacred moment, we made love in our tears of knowing that all is good when all is one.

 

 

 

Comments

94 responses to “Twenty Five Years Ago We Said, “OUI””

  1. Anjanette

    WOW!! What beautiful words and sweet congratulations to you both!! (tears on this end as I read)

    Reply
  2. martina

    I got all teary seeing your photos and reading your words too. Happy Anniversary Corey and Yann!

    Reply
  3. Star

    Happy Anniversary! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Happy joyous anniversary to you two.
    I have one burning question: did he happen to shave his beard for the occasion, as a gift to his lovely wife?

    Reply
  5. Alan from Chicago

    Happy Anniversary

    Reply
  6. Ellen

    Happy Anniversary, Corey and Yann! What a beautiful post. May you have many more blessed years together!!!

    Reply
  7. Celeste Coelho

    Lovely. God grant you many happy years!

    Reply
  8. christine

    Congratulations….my hubby and I celebrated 25yrs the past November. This struck a chord deep inside me as it rings so true. 25 years is a lifetime and just the beginning now.
    Christine

    Reply
  9. Lana Kloch

    i never tire of hearing how you met: how it had to be ” john;: how you loved dancing, how yann just happened to be in san francisco that evening.
    25 wonderful years together..growing, loving, bridging 2 continents, creating 2 incredible children,, and celebrating in the fashion you did. yes, i am crying with happiness..
    you bring so much joy to each other and are good enough to share your life with us too.
    here’s a toast to next 25 years, then the next, and the next… forever

    Reply
  10. sue at naperville now

    lovely post, Corey. wishing you continued happiness…

    Reply
  11. Zosia

    What a beautiful and personal way to celebrate. Happy Anniversary, Corey and Yann!

    Reply
  12. Tongue in Cheek

    Heck no! Dang.

    Reply
  13. Helene

    Congratulations Corey and Yann. Thank you once again for sharing the special moments in your life in a way that touches us in our hearts. Your loving, articulate words give expression to the way you live.

    Reply
  14. shirley

    Congratulations and happy anniversary. I do not know of a more perfectly matched couple. Hope you have many more happy years together!
    Shirley – Atlanta, GA USA

    Reply
  15. Laura @ 52 FLEA

    Happy Anniversary! 🙂 Here’s to the next 25!

    Reply
  16. Lorrie

    Happy Anniversary! Dance the years!

    Reply
  17. Margaret

    Happy Anniversary! Wishing you many blessings, deep love and joy for at least another 25!

    Reply
  18. Pam

    Amazing love story, yours and Yann’s. Congratulations, and may love continue to bind you together forever.

    Reply
  19. Bev S.

    Happy Anniversary! The Lord bless and keep both of you!

    Reply
  20. judyo

    Happy 25th!! I also love the story of how you met and have told many of my friends.
    I still say there is a novel there:)

    Reply
  21. Elaine L.

    Beautiful Post as a testament to love. I’ve been married nearly 40 years, so to me, you two are still newlyweds! ~elaine in CA

    Reply
  22. Rhonda

    You two were meant to be together. I love it when that happens. Happy Anniversary!! Woo Hoo – never stop dancing.

    Reply
  23. kelleyn

    Happy Anniversary! Here is too many more years to come!

    Reply
  24. Mardog

    Nice. To 25 more.

    Reply
  25. Sally

    Happy Anniversary dear Corey and Yann!

    Reply
  26. LauraInSeattle

    Congratulations & Happy Anniversary! As always, you said it so well.

    Reply
  27. WR

    Happy, happy anniversary.

    Reply
  28. Amy Kortuem

    You made my cry! What a beautiful, miraculous, example-setting love story you have. Thank you for sharing it.
    Happy Anniversary.

    Reply
  29. carol

    Happy Anniversary, dear Corey and Yann. You are indeed a match made in heaven.

    Reply
  30. janet

    heartfelt congratulations! you have so much fun together that another 25 years are in order. you live a charmed life together, not to mention raising two beautiful and accomplished kids! much love from colorado, janet

    Reply
  31. Lynne

    Beautiful words . . . Happy, Happy, Happy many, many more . . .

    Reply
  32. g

    so happy for you both-LONG LIVE LOVE!

    Reply
  33. Sue Young

    Beautiful post. As are the two of you. Do you know how lucky you are?!?
    Thank you for sharing the joy!
    Félicitations !!!!

    Reply
  34. susanc

    Happy Anniversary!

    Reply
  35. Debbie Z.

    Happy Anniversary to a very good-looking and talented couple. May you have many more years of joy together.

    Reply
  36. Diogenes

    Dear Corey,
    Happy Anniversary and many more years of bliss.
    Love that picture from your wedding in Willows.

    Reply
  37. Pamela RG

    Happy Anniversary..more love and all the best to both of you!

    Reply
  38. Marilyn

    Happy Anniversary!
    Lovely!

    Reply
  39. Alan

    Jealous. I wish I could have met a handsome Frenchman, and got married. Instead I met a nice man from New Jersey sixteen years ago. I still can’t marry him.

    Reply
  40. jody

    what a beautiful way to express your love and growth as one. Happy Anniversary with many blessings towards the sweet joys of cherishing one another in love.
    xoxo jody

    Reply
  41. Cheri Hansen

    One could only imagine: Happy Anniversary, Cheri H.

    Reply
  42. Shelley Noble

    A most heartfelt congratulations on your 25th Anniversary, Yann and Corey. One of the world’s greatest True Love Stories.

    Reply
  43. Momof5

    Love is never easy but you make it look so. Congratulations!!

    Reply
  44. Kathie B

    Best wishes!

    Reply
  45. Teri

    Happy 25th to you may you enjoy at least 25 more! Teri

    Reply
  46. pmj

    Beautiful words, beautiful sentiments, beautiful couple. Congratulations to you both, and may you have many more happy, rewarding years together!

    Reply
  47. Reets

    I only know you just a little bit and for only a few weeks now . . but enough to want to wish you both all that is good. And many more years of happy togetherness.

    Reply
  48. Julie

    Congrats to you! Long may it last!
    🙂

    Reply
  49. KAMFreeman

    Happy Silver Anniversary Corey and Yann…beautiful story, wonderful photos, words so sweet that my tears were added to yours….
    Kristin

    Reply
  50. chardonnaylynn

    Bon anniversaire de mariage!!!
    California husband and I celebrated 41 years this summer. Very rare these days, indeed. HUGE congrats to the two of you!!!

    Reply
  51. Jeannie

    Congratulations to you both!!! Love does conquer all, including a bearded chin. 🙂

    Reply
  52. Julie P.

    Bonne Anniversaire!! May you share many more years of love!

    Reply
  53. Rosemary Wilmot

    Corey,Happy Anniversary what a tru;y wonderful uplifting post. Anniversarys are such special times together. A real “us” time. We loved our 25th, we went to Venice and renewed our vows in the English church with family and very close friends. Love is all around you two guys. Bask in the afterglow. XX

    Reply
  54. Vicki Malignaggi

    Love has never been “penned” so sweet. Congrats to you both :). My Mom and Dad just celebrated 62 years on Monday the 7th. May your love continue thru time. Sincerely, Vicki

    Reply
  55. 24/7 in France

    Felicitations! Such a lovely post and wonderful to have a romantic, FH (mine dances with me in the kitchen just because..) All the best to you both & in celebrating your love!

    Reply
  56. Merisi in Vienna

    Wait for the next 25 years, and maybe then? 😉

    Reply
  57. Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen

    Beautiful words, beautiful story, beautiful couple. Happy anniversary to you both.
    Sam

    Reply
  58. Jenny M

    Isn’t love grand! Congratulations to you both.

    Reply
  59. Becky F

    Congratulations Corey and Yann!! Beautiful.

    Reply
  60. Tracy

    Oh – congratulations! How wonderful!

    Reply
  61. Lauren

    Marriage is such a sacred thing, congratulations on being married for 25 years!! Would French Husband ever come in a do a post for a day about his perspective on the French life, the brocante, or love?
    And as some one who feels like they have no idea how to make relationships last- would you mind sharing some advice about what has helped you to make it 25 years??
    As always, thank you for another beautiful post and CONGRATULATIONS again!!

    Reply
  62. Evelyn in NYC

    Happy Anniversary! May you celebrate many more in love and happiness!

    Reply
  63. Nana Diana

    Happy, Happy Anniversary-It really does make me believe in fairy tale endings- God bless you~ xo Diana

    Reply
  64. mimi

    Beautiful! Congratulations!

    Reply
  65. victoria silva

    Happy Anniversary dear heart… and many more to come.
    Hugs
    Victoria Silva

    Reply
  66. Kiki

    Félicitations, chère Corey and dear Yann
    25 years is a long time and yet it is a very short time when you’re in unison on the important things in life. You obviously ARE in unison – not in details like flying, motor racing, skiing, but in caring, sharing, being good for each other…. and that’s a precious gift to share and have.
    God’s blessing for the future. I shall be married (in 2nd marriage) 15 years in March and I’m as happy as can be with a very complex and not easy man – and he probably says the same about me; yet we’re so good for each other…. Aaah, the greatest of all vertues is still AMOUR!
    Gros bisous, Kiki

    Reply
  67. Patricia

    I never tire of a great love story. Many blessings to you both in the next 25 years.

    Reply
  68. Jody

    Happy Anniversary, Corey and Yann!

    Reply
  69. kim

    Dang — I teared up while reading this. Happy Anniversary! 🙂
    I have to tell you that often you’ve given me words of wisdom about patience and tolerance towards those we love and I daresay, it’s helped me cope with some challenges that I’ve faced in my family life.
    Many congratulations to you and FH.

    Reply
  70. Irene

    Happy 25th Anniversary to you both. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life and photographs with me! More years of bliss…

    Reply
  71. Chris

    Hi Corey, Happy Anniversary! I enjoyed the photos and the story. You are just ahead of Paul and I. We celebrate our 25th on April 16th. Planning a trip to France, can hardly wait!

    Reply
  72. Franca Bollo

    Any day now … times they are a-changing, thank gods!

    Reply
  73. Linda

    Bonne Anniversaire de noces, Corey and French Husband! You are beautiful together.

    Reply
  74. Nadine Wong

    Happy Anniversary to you. What a wonderful words you spoke of the love the two of you share.

    Reply
  75. Massilianana

    Félicitations on your anniversary , you two ! So beautiful to read your words and feel how alive your love is. Champagne !

    Reply
  76. Teddee Grace

    Congratulations to both of you. You and your lovely offspring are an inspiration.

    Reply
  77. Laurie Hodson

    Corey, Corey, Corey,
    I too never tire of your love story. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Many, many more blissful years together. It only gets better from here-we celebrated our 41 in July. May God continue your dance for many more years.

    Reply
  78. mary

    Happy Anniversary 🙂

    Reply
  79. Monika

    Félicitations!!
    You have one of the most beautiful proposal stories I have ever heard, have made two beautiful children, and have built a beautiful life together. I wish the two of you many more wonderful years of growing together!

    Reply
  80. Peggy Braswell

    Here is to the next twenty-five! Congratulations. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    Reply
  81. annie vanderven

    wishing you all the best for 25 more years.
    Annie v.

    Reply
  82. Ana

    You two have a beautiful romance that has lasted the test of time. I wish you all the love you have now and more for the next 25 years.

    Reply
  83. Patti

    Beautiful post. Congratulations on your first 25 years! We are on our way to 40 this year. It just gets better and better! (PS – from the pictures, I thought the beard was gone… but I see it’s not. Maybe for your birthday!)

    Reply
  84. pattyg

    Congratulations!!!

    Reply
  85. Chris Wittmann

    Congratulations Corey! the years go so quickly..for me and my hubby it’s been about 33 years!! The fact we were both married before makes it seem like ancient times when I was first married. Life, and love, are both a journey. Time is racing by so quickly. Enjoy your special day!

    Reply
  86. Michelle M in KY

    Dear Corey,
    What a beautiful post. Happy belated 25th Anniversary. I wish you many, many more years of wedded bliss!

    Reply
  87. Jeanne

    “THERE IS NEVER A TIME OR PLACE FOR TRUE LOVE. IT HAPPENS ACCIDENTALLY, IN A HEARTBEAT, IN A SINGLE FLASHING, THROBBING MOMENT.” —SARAH DESSEN
    Happy Anniversary to you both.
    Much love and many blessings.
    Love is all you need♥

    Reply
  88. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    I was guessing that would be the answer…

    Reply
  89. Laura

    Corey and Yann Congratulations!!! How wonderful. A good marriage requires lots of work and you are doing a great job.
    I just love your photographs – 25 years ago and today. You both look terrific. Frame this last shot.
    My husband and I are right behind you – we are working on year number 24.
    God bless you, your marriage and beautiful family.

    Reply
  90. Teresa Young

    Happy Anniversary…and many more years of happiness your way! Your Okie Friend, Teresa

    Reply
  91. Debra

    So happy for you both, C!

    Reply
  92. The Pliers

    I didn’t get to wish you a Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary earlier, so I’m here to do so somewhat belatedly–“Happy Anniversary Corey & Yann!”
    It’s funny because Jean and I will celebrate our 25th WA on 8/8/13, having married on 8/8/88 in San Francisco so I always think about your marriage in the same FrancoAmerican bubble as ours!
    Many Happy Returns of the Day!

    Reply
  93. Marie-Noëlle

    I’m far too late …
    You and Yann are an exquisite couple !!!
    I send you
    25 parcels of kisses to share within you 2 !!!
    (Silver kisses, of course !!!)

    Reply
  94. Brenda, Walker, LA

    I’m so late with this….but happy Anniversary. You two are what marriage should be. Real.

    Reply

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