In November 1957, my aunt and uncle ran off together as youngsters for a secret wedding. According to family lore (of course I wasn't around as a witness at the time), the family learned of the elopement soon after the fact, but the couple had to keep it mostly a secret for the next few years while my aunt completed college at a women's school in Virginia.

In two weeks, 50 years after they exchanged vows, my aunt and uncle are finally having their wedding reception (though we're calling it an anniversary party). Kristen wrote about holding after-the-fact celebrations for couples who elope, and her post suggested waiting up to five years. Five years, fifty years -- your loved ones are happy to celebrate your union whenever you want to throw that party.