AS messages of love and gifts were exchanged on Sunday, Stan and Glenis Wilson celebrated their first Valentine’s Day as husband and wife.

The Evanston couple have enjoyed a 28-year relationship, however, only tied the knot just over seven weeks ago.

On Stan’s 80th birthday, the pair exchanged vows at the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron on December 27.

Surrounded by an intimate group of friends and family, the newlyweds enjoyed perfect weather during their ceremony overlooking the marina, before venturing inside for their reception.

“We were planning to go to Cuba to celebrate our 80th birthdays and then COVID happened, so we thought we might as well get married instead,” Stan said.

"We planned the wedding in less than six weeks and our friend was the celebrant.”

The new Mrs Wilson (nee Head) joked Stan’s proposal wasn’t the most romantic.

“We had already decided to get married, but it was a surprise when he bought the ring,” Glenis said.

“We were sitting at the table and he said ‘anyway, will you marry me? And plonked the box down.

“Getting married wasn’t something we considered necessary and I suppose over all these years we’ve just been plodding along.”

The couple have bonded over a shared love of petanque (a boules sport) and have sat on the Gawler Petanque Club committee for 20 years.

Working in the space industry when they met, the couple has travelled across the globe together and made life-long friends through their sport.

In a relationship, however, Glenis said it was important to have individual interests.

“Especially when you are retired, because then you’ve got something else to talk about,” she said.

“Petanque is about the only hobby we share. Stan likes to get out in the garden and I love tennis.

“When Wimbledon is on I’m up until 2-3 o’clock in the morning.

“But for the most part we do things together. We shop and cook together and spend time with our rescue dog Dyson.”

When asked about his affections for his bride, Stan joked Glenis “makes a mean fish pie”.

“We are best friends really,” he said.

Glenis added that her and Stan confide in each other on most things.

“It’s a trust. He takes care of me and is always there if I need help,” she said.

“We have had our ups and downs but Stan is someone I can respect and look up to and when he makes a decision I know I can trust that decision.”

“At least I will never forget our wedding anniversary,” Stan added.

“It’s the same day as my birthday.