Getting Married in Your Fifties: The Joy, the Growth, and the Unexpected Magic

Who says fairytales have an expiration date?

On May 8th, I got married!

At a combined age of 120 years old. Me, a widow who had made peace with a life of solo adventures. Larry, a man who once said he’d never date a widow.

life of solo adventures

never

And yet… here we are.

Proof that sometimes, life writes a plot twist more beautiful than anything you could plan.

If you’d told me just two years ago that I’d be walking down the aisle again—in my fifties, seasoned by life—I’d have laughed.

Or sighed.

Or maybe rolled my eyes. Because the road here wasn’t straight. But it was absolutely worth every step.

The Magic of Meeting Your Person Later in Life

Getting married at this stage is so much more than romance. It’s about reinvention. It’s about growth. And it’s a celebration of the journey you’ve both taken to arrive—exactly as you are.

You Know Who You Are. There’s something extraordinary about two people coming together with full, rich lives behind them. We’ve lived, we’ve lost, we’ve evolved. We aren’t here to complete each other—we complement each other. I didn’t marry to be “saved” or “rescued.” I married because it added joy to a life I already loved.
You’re Not Settling—You’re Choosing. This wasn’t about ticking boxes or meeting expectations. This was about connection, laughter, depth, and integrity. We chose each other fully, freely, and with open eyes. And when love comes without pretence, it feels like coming home.
You Celebrate the Simple Things. Love at this age isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. The coffee made just right (a work in progress!). The shared smile at the end of a long day. The hand that reaches for yours when you least expect it. Ordinary moments become the magic.

You Know Who You Are. There’s something extraordinary about two people coming together with full, rich lives behind them. We’ve lived, we’ve lost, we’ve evolved. We aren’t here to complete each other—we complement each other. I didn’t marry to be “saved” or “rescued.” I married because it added joy to a life I already loved.

You Know Who You Are.

complement

You’re Not Settling—You’re Choosing. This wasn’t about ticking boxes or meeting expectations. This was about connection, laughter, depth, and integrity. We chose each other fully, freely, and with open eyes. And when love comes without pretence, it feels like coming home.

You’re Not Settling—You’re Choosing.

You Celebrate the Simple Things. Love at this age isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. The coffee made just right (a work in progress!). The shared smile at the end of a long day. The hand that reaches for yours when you least expect it. Ordinary moments become the magic.

You Celebrate the Simple Things.

A Life of Many Chapters

My life has had several distinct chapters. I was once a loyal, much-loved wife and driven career woman, thriving in a fast-paced world. Then, as well as losing my husband, I lost the future I’d envisioned too. In my grief, I rebuilt from scratch, embracing solo travel adventures, discovering new dreams, and finding my purpose in the unknown. You can read more about my journey through grief HERE, and how I used travel to overcome the social awkwardness I suddenly found myself afflicted with.

HERE

overcome the social awkwardness

I honestly believed I’d be alone forever—and I was happy. I had grabbed life by the balls and made it mine.

happy

But life had another chapter in store.

And this one? It’s unexpected and filled with possibility.

The Truth About Love (and Life) in Midlife

Let’s be honest: it’s not all smooth sailing. When two established people come together, so do their habits, homes, histories, and hang-ups. There are adult children, finances, different ways to load the dishwasher (yes, really!).

But the beauty of this season is that we have more tools to navigate it. We have patience. Compassion. And the grace to say, “I see you, all of you, and I choose you anyway.”

We carry emotional baggage—but also wisdom. We face change—but also embrace growth. And we know that love is worth the effort.

Why This Story Belongs in a Blog About Transformative Travel

Because transformation doesn’t always look like a mountain climbed or a passport stamped. Sometimes, it looks like letting your heart be cracked open—again. Sometimes, it looks like allowing joy in, even when you’d already made peace with solitude.

made peace with solitude

But here’s the thing: I wouldn’t have found this chapter without living the one before it. The solo travels. The stillness. The time to heal, reflect, and fall in love with my own life first. It’s through travel—moving, learning, expanding—that I became the woman ready for this future.

Never Say Never

Life has a way of surprising you when you’re not clinging to a script. So, here’s what I have learned:

You never know what’s around the corner.
Saying “never” is often the first step to something unexpected.
Being alone can be powerful. But love, when it arrives unforced, can be extraordinary.

You never know what’s around the corner.

Saying “never” is often the first step to something unexpected.

Being alone can be powerful. But love, when it arrives unforced, can be extraordinary.

So, {{ subscriber.first_name }}, if you’re out there thinking your story is already written… it’s not. There’s always another chapter waiting. And it might just start with an open heart, a plane ticket, or a moment of unexpected connection. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

Here’s to second chances. To the joy of becoming. And to the kind of magic that shows up when you’ve stopped looking—but stayed open.

This week, over on YouTube, join me on a whirlwind tour of Tinos, Greece, where history and unexpected surprises go hand in hand. We explore the famous pilgrims’ church, visit an incredible monastery, and stumble upon some truly unique discoveries—like a bus stop made of marble! And just when I thought things couldn’t get more interesting, I met an overfriendly pelican who clearly wanted to steal the show. Check it out for yourself HERE.

HERE

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Until next time,

Safe Travels

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

More of my Adventures…

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Blog – Travelling Through Grief and Overcoming Social Awkwardness

Blog – My Story

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Video – Tinos Greece A Hidden Cyclades Gem You Must See

And finally, just for you…eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

And finally, just for you…

eive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own., but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

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