Couple who eloped 60 years ago finally has a wedding ceremony surrounded by family

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT/Gray News) - A couple who eloped 60 years ago have finally experienced the wedding they never had before, surrounded by family.

Gary and Linda Manna got married in 1964 in Reno, Nevada before going on to have five children.

Those children became a big part of their wedding ceremony, a wish made possible by the Dreamweaver Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating joyful experiences for older adults.

“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,” Kelly Jacobs, with Dreamweaver Foundation, said.

The couple’s eldest son, Mike Manna, officiated their wedding in Omaha, Nebraska.

“The main thing was to honor them. 60 years,” Mike Manna told WOWT. “There’s not that many couples that have stayed together 60 years. They were a great example to us, my brothers and sisters.”

Gary and Linda Manna said music and faith are two big things that have helped them to keep their bond for six decades.

The Mannas said they have spent little time apart and want to keep it that way as they pass into their next chapter.

“We also know and believe that we’ll be with family,” Linda Manna said.

The Manna wedding also functioned as a family reunion. The couple said it has been years since all their kids, grandkids and great grandkids have all been together at the same time.

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