Despite initial family resistance, Yagambaram and Anoosh Devi Moonsamy's love story flourished into a 50-year marriage filled with business success, family joy, and shared adventures.
Their journey from a unique tea-and-biscuits wedding to becoming successful business partners showcases the power of commitment and understanding.
The couple, of uMhlanga, who owned Reliable Sheetmetal Fabrication and Roofing, celebrated their golden anniversary on Sunday.
Yagambaram, 74, and Anoosh, 72, met 50 years ago through mutual friends. However, their relationship was not initially accepted by the families.
“It was love at first sight. Our connection was undeniable," said Anoosh.
"However, our families were initially a little apprehensive about our relationship, but this soon turned into acceptance and we got married in 1975 at a Sungum Hall in Chatsworth.
"We had a big wedding but we were a little unique. Instead of serving a 'normal' lunch meal, we served our guests tea and biscuits.
“It was a lovely Tamil wedding. Even though my family is Hindi-speaking, everyone gathered in unity and celebration. Our photographs were taken at the Japanese Gardens."
She said marriage required love, respect, patience, sacrifice, commitment and understanding.
“We worked as business partners for most of our married life and we ensured our business and personal life was separate. We stayed true to our duties as husband and wife. We nurtured the same morals, values and goals for our lives and we supported each other."
The pair said they felt joy when they realised how much they had accomplished over their 50 years of marriage.
Yagambaram added that it felt overwhelming to see all they have achieved after starting out their married life with little.
"At this age, we have lost many dear family and friends. We are grateful for each day that we have each other, to continue this journey of life. We enjoy travelling the world and going on adventures together,” added Yagambaram.
He said couples should invest in their marriages and love.
“Don't give up on each other when times get tough. Stay committed to the vows of your marriage. Times have changed and as the world has advanced. Worldly influences have added unique pressures and challenges to married couples. The roles of husbands and wives and raising families are intermingled and as a result, couples need to be helpmates and manage their daily stresses as a team."
They celebrated their anniversary with their family and plan to take a Mediterranean cruise in May. The couple have three children and six grandchildren.