It was 1964 an article appeared in the Benalla Ensign celebrating the February 8 wedding of Laurie Murray and Jeniene Rogash.
Sixty years later the happy couple was at Benalla Bowls Club surrounded by family and friends to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.
With both already coming from large families, that tradition has continued, and they now have six children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
It was a warm summer day in 1964, and Jeniene said two weddings took place at St Joseph’s Benalla that day.
“We got married at 9am,” Jeniene said.
“Getting ready that morning, I was very excited.’’
Laurie said he had stayed the night at a friend’s house just outside Benalla.
“I’m always nervous,” Laurie said.
“So my friend went to the chemist and came back with a big pill.
“I’m not sure what it was, but it did the job.”
This article appeared in the Benalla Ensign on February 11, 1964
Mr and Mrs Lawrence Murray received the Papal Blessing at their marraige at St Joseph’s Church, Benalla, on Saturday.
The bride, the former Miss Jeniene Rogash, of 30 Byrne St, Benalla, wore a heirloom brooch, which had been her great-grandmother’s wedding ring. It was mounted on two gold bars.
She wore a full length gown with a scalloped neckline and long sleeves. The lace around the train was hand sewn by her two sisters Mesdames I Chester and L Thorne, who also made the bridesmaids’ frocks.
The bride carried a bouquet of frangipani.
Matron of honour was Mrs R Thorne, who wore a pink frock with a matching headband. The full length dress had a panel in front and box pleats meeting at the back with a large bow.
The dress also featured a cummerbund, and the sleeves were pleated to match.
Bridesmaid was Miss Maree Rogash, sister of the bride, who wore an aqua shade frock of similar styling.
Best man was the bridegroom’s brother Mr Peter Murray, and groomsman Mr David Rogash, brother of the bride.
The reception was held in St Joseph’s Hall.
The couple hadn’t been dating long before Laurie popped the question.
Jeniene said that wasn’t a problem and her parents were pleased.
“I was 23, and Mum said she thought it was about time,” she said.
Laurie said he came up with the idea to propose on the spur of the moment.
“We came home from a dance one night,” he said.
“It was a brilliant moonlit night. We were leaning on the bonnet of the car and I just thought I’d ask her to marry me.
“And she said yes.”
Jeniene said she never considered saying no.
“It was love at first sight,” she said.
“I can’t believe that was 60 years ago. The time has flown.”
After the big day, the Murrays set off on a road trip to celebrate their honeymoon.
“We went down to Buchan, then to lots of places all over Gippsland,” Jeniene said.
Laurie said the destination was based on the fact he didn’t want to drive through Melbourne.
“So we decided to go around the outside instead,” he said.
“But somehow, we ended up on Bell St.”
The couple did, however, find its way to Gippsland and ultimately back to the Benalla area to raise a family.
When asked, their advice for people getting married in 2024 was to make sure that they really love each other.
“Give and take is very important,” Laurie said.
“And never go to sleep on an argument.”