Heartwarming wedding photos of senior Chinese couple go viral

(Photo/Xiaogan Daily)

On April 14, a couple in their sixties walked into a photo studio in Xiaogan City, central China’s Hubei Province, for a wedding-themed photo shoot. Unlike the other brides waiting for their photos, this bride wore a wrist band which read “Tan Siju, female, pancreatic cancer,” WeChat account of Xiaogan Daily reported on April 16.

Husband Chen Zhongyuan is 68 years old, six years older than his wife, Tan Siju. The couple has been married for 43 years. Even so, the story of how they met and fell in love remains fresh in their minds.

“It was love at first sight. There were endless conversations between us,” said Chen, disclosing how he was introduced to Tan by a friend in 1976 when he was 25.

The couple moved to Ezhou City, Hubei Province, after a simple wedding in Chen’s hometown. They went on to have two daughters and a son. The family, though not rich, were happy. However, their peaceful life was shattered in late 2018, when Tan was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer.

Hearing the news, Tan said she gave up, unwilling to continue the treatment. However, her husband continued to comfort her and encouraged her to follow doctors’ orders and fight the disease. Gradually, Tan accepted her husband’s advice, and decided to face cancer with a positive mindset.

Since then, Tan's condition has improved. After the second round of chemotherapy, Tan’s tumor markers were close to normal.

(Photo/Xiaogan Daily)

The idea of organizing a wedding-themed photo shoot came from their younger daughter Chen Xiaoyan and her husband. Chen Zhongyuan agreed to it without hesitation.

“We were poor and didn’t take wedding photos when we got married, and we haven’t taken many photos throughout the years. It would be a good way to make up for those regrets. More importantly, I know this will make my wife happy. As long as she is happy and it’s good for her recovery, we will do it,” said Chen Zhongyuan.

When Tan walked to Chen in her white wedding dress with a bouquet in her hands, Chen simply said, “you look beautiful”.

(Photo/Xiaogan Daily)

Under the instructions of the photographer, the couple posed for the photos, looking more in love than ever. There were times tears came to the eyes of the couple, together with smiles.

“I was deeply touched, and at times I couldn't press the button. Maybe I cannot feel what they feel, but I was truly moved and wanted to cry,” said the photographer.