Fast-forward to today, and Darby, 86, and Eve (nee Jenkins) Gill, 85, are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.
The couple were married the year they met, on October 25, 1958, at St Martin’s Anglican Church, in North East Valley.
They credited a good marriage to listening to each other and looking after one another.
"Things work out, some good and some bad," Mrs Gill said.
"We’ve had our ups and downs, but never mind all that."
After marrying, they moved into their Mosgiel home, built in 1959, just in time for the arrival of their first child.
"For 21 years old, I don’t think I did too bad; married with a kid and a house."
Sixty-four years on, and three children later, the couple were still going strong in the same house.
Today is a double celebration for the couple, as their son’s birthday falls on their anniversary.
With family in Australia, a son in Zambia, a nephew in Japan and more than a few All Blacks tours under their belts, the couple said they had done their share of travelling.
"We liked Africa that much that when the All Blacks were supposed to go but the tour was cancelled, we went anyway," Mrs Gill said.
"We were treated like the All Blacks since they weren’t there.
"There’s just too many good memories to keep track of."
Since their initial trip, the couple have made the trip to Africa seven or eight times.
Among those to send the couple congratulations for their 65th anniversary was King Charles, who sent a card, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich.
The pair received a card from the late Queen on their 60th, and hoped to "complete the trifecta" with a card from Prince William in the future.
"Perhaps for our 70th anniversary," Mr Gill said.
