56 Years Later, B.C. Couple Finally Sees Wedding Photos They Couldn’t Afford in 1968

Barry Sharman vividly remembers his wedding day in Enderby, B.C., on a warm July afternoon in 1968. His bride, Margaret, wore a wedding dress lovingly made by her mother.

“She was stunning,” Barry recalled. “I was just so happy that she picked me.”

However, like many young couples of their time, the Sharmans couldn’t afford to pay for their wedding photos, leaving them with only their memories of that special day—until now.

A Christmas Miracle

On Christmas Eve 2024, Margaret and Barry saw their wedding photos for the first time in more than half a century. The discovery was made by Sandra Farynuk, a longtime friend of Margaret and president of the local museum in Enderby.

Farynuk stumbled upon the photos after a museum administrator showed her an image sent from the Armstrong Museum. The photos had been rescued from a garage sale, where someone had purchased them, along with other unclaimed pictures from the original photographer.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Farynuk said. “Everybody looks so beautiful in a wedding picture.”

The photos included three key moments:

• The entire wedding party,

• A portrait of the newlyweds, and

• A solo shot of Margaret on her wedding day.

Tears of Joy

Farynuk, who had been a bridesmaid at Margaret’s wedding, arranged to have the photos redone and sent them to the Sharmans just in time for Christmas.

Margaret was overwhelmed with emotion upon opening the package.

“She cried a lot. Happy tears,” Barry said. “She was just beside herself with joy.”

The couple’s story quickly spread after Margaret casually mentioned it to their hairdresser. The news reached a local newspaper editor, and the tale of their long-awaited reunion with the photos gained widespread attention.

A Life Well-Lived

For Margaret and Barry, the rediscovery of their wedding photos has been a chance to reflect on their journey together.

“I just looked back and thought how young we were,” Barry said. “Marg was 20. I was 21. We’ve come a long way, and we’ve had a wonderful time and a wonderful life.”

The images have become a treasured reminder of the love and resilience that have defined their 56 years of marriage.

A Friend’s Gift

For Farynuk, the experience of reuniting the Sharmans with their wedding photos has been deeply meaningful.

“It was heartwarming for me to be able to do this,” she said.

The Sharmans, now living in Penticton, say they feel incredibly fortunate for the unexpected gift and the chance to relive one of the happiest days of their lives.

“It’s like our memories were brought back to life,” Margaret said.