Sixty years ago, on a hot summer's day, the happy couple tied the knot at Benalla’s Presbyterian Church.
They were married at 11.30am on January 15, 1966.
Beryl Willhelme met Merv at a Saturday night dance at Benalla Town Hall in November 1963.
And on March 20, 1965 Merv popped the question.
Beryl said there was only going to be one answer: yes.
“Our wedding day was a very hot day; when leaving the reception, there was a storm and showers, leaving confetti sticking to the car,” Beryl said.
“When we got to Bright service station, the driveway attendant said congratulations, and handed Merv a hose to wash his car.
“We had our honeymoon at Lakes Entrance.”
The bridal party consisted of Kerri Harper, Barbara Harper, Gerda Verhaar and Sandra Plant.
The best man was Max Weston, and the groomsman was Len Willhelme. The reception was held at the Soldier's Memorial Hall in Nunn St.
The officiating clergy for the wedding was Robert James Scrimgeour.
The wedding cars were supplied by Reid and Bracks, now Benalla Bus Lines, and the wedding photos were taken by Tyson’s Photography, which was based in Nunn St.
In April of 1966 the couple moved to Matong, near Grong Grong, NSW, as Merv played football and was appointed to his first coaching position.
“We made some great friends when we lived in NSW,” Beryl said.
“Treena, our first daughter, was born in January 1969, and we moved back to Benalla that December.
“And we still live in Benalla today.
“Our second daughter, Leaha, was born in November 1971.”
Beryl said that Merv continued to play, and coach, football for many years in a number of local teams, including the Benalla Saints, Tatong, Goorambat, Benalla Rovers and Swanpool.
“We raised our children in Benalla, who have both been very active with their respective sports,” Beryl said.
“Treena married Darren Best, and we have two grandchildren, Ellexandra and Zakkary, who live in Benalla.
“Leaha and her partner, Angela, live in Melbourne, along with two dogs, Gus and Betty.
“We have had a great life together, with some and ups and downs, and lots of precious moments.
“True love does last — we are so lucky to celebrate 60 years together.”
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