Love knows no age limits, as World War II veteran Harold Terens, 100, and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin, 96, proved when they tied the knot in Carentan-les-Marais, France. The couple’s combined age of nearly 200 made their nuptials a double-century celebration of love and life.
The elegant stone town hall of Carentan served as the picturesque backdrop for the wedding, with well-wishers lining the streets and cheering on the newlyweds. The mayor officiated the ceremony in English, as the couple exchanged vows and rings, sealing their commitment to each other.
With Champagne flutes in hand, Terens and Swerlin toasted to peace in the world and the end of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The crowd outside erupted in cheers as the couple waved from the window, basking in the joy of the moment.
The wedding, while symbolic and not legally binding, captured the hearts of all who witnessed it. As the couple embarks on this new chapter of their lives, they have been invited to a state dinner at the Elysee Palace with President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Normandy’s deep reverence for veterans and the sacrifices made during World War II was evident in the celebration, with flags and bunting adorning the streets. The wedding of Harold Terens and Jeanne Swerlin serves as a reminder that love knows no bounds, and that it’s never too late to find happiness and companionship.