TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE — A half-century later, Doug and Emma Corbell finally captured their special moment on camera.
In 1964, the Corbells had walked the aisle at chapel number 1 at Tyndall Air Force Base. Just 16 years old at the time, Emma Corbell wore a white, knitted, cropped cardigan and her 18-year-old groom was sharply clad in his airman blues.
“I didn’t have flowers,” she said Friday. “I carried a little white Bible and had a plain white dress on.”
It could’ve been a picture-perfect scene — had the photographer showed up to snap a photo.
“We had somebody that was supposed to take pictures,” she said, “but we didn’t have pictures made because he didn’t show up.”
The couple returned 50 years later Friday to the same chapel to take a second shot at getting their picture taken at the alter.
Their son, 46-year-old Tim Corbell, and his family, of
“Fifty years is quite an accomplishment for any couple,” Tim Corbell said. “I just think it’s amazing; they’ve always stayed a happy couple and I’m real proud of them.”
The Corbells met through mutual friends and soon wedded while Doug Corbell had been stationed at Tyndall from 1962 to 1964.
“I never been on a blind date in my life,” Doug Corbell said, recalling a friend’s invitation to go on a double-date where he’d meet his then soon-to-be wife.
“He said he’ll pay me $20 and pay for the food; I said, ‘OK, I’ll go,’ ” he said. “And after I met her, I gave him the 20 bucks back and said, ‘I’m going to marry her.’ ”
No ceremony was held at the chapel Friday. The 66-year-old bride and 68-year-old groom had grown together, from teenagers to retirees.
“We asked if we could come get some pictures,” Doug Corbell said. “We’re doing great now; it’s just wonderful to be alive and to be here.”
The Corbells live in