Love story behind bride caught in Carnival of Flowers float parade

They met and married in the garden city almost seven decades ago and the love this couple share has only continued to blossom.

Toowoomba childhood sweethearts Tom and Grace Payne recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Childhood sweethearts Tom and Grace Payne recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, but from their special bond, it seems the honeymoon stage never wore off for the devoted duo.

While the couple and their daughter Lyn Farrell now reside in Mackay, the family said their connection to Toowoomba remains stronger than ever.

The couple met at the Toowoomba Show when Mrs Payne (nee Ruff) was 18-years-old and Mr Payne was 19.

Mr Payne was attached at the time but things soon changed and he later told his children that he knew their mother was the one as soon as they met.

Now aged in their late 80s, the pair recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, surrounded by four generations of family.

“They have been inseparable for all these years … they’re the best of friends and they are a true inspiration to our family and something for us to look up to,” Ms Farrell said.

“I think the most special thing (about their relationship) is their total dedication to each other and for always being there to support one another.”

Toowoomba childhood sweethearts Tom and Grace Payne recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

The pair tied the knot at St Luke’s Church in Toowoomba on September 22, 1956.

And when it comes to grand entrances the bride-to-be didn’t disappoint.

With the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers parade underway that day, Mrs Payne accidentally found herself caught up in the procession.

“Mum is a real character, so she loved waving to everyone from her car, wearing her gown,” Ms Farrell said.

Hundreds of people attended their wedding with Mr Payne’s talent on the rugby league field giving him quite the celebrity status around town.

Representing Queensland and Australia in the sport, he was recognised by Toowoomba Regional Council when Anderson Park’s Tom Payne Oval was named in his honour.

Over the years, the couple have done just about everything alongside each other, from bowling, travelling around in their caravan and even getting haircuts together.

But it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the pair, after they were both diagnosed with Dementia and have since had to go into full-time care.

And while it has been a challenging time for the family, Ms Farrell said not even that could derail her parent’s special love story.

Together they share four children, nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

“They are such lovebirds … even now when they see each other, they give each other a kiss and then they kiss again when one of them departs,” Ms Farrell said.

“The four of us are so lucky to have what we had growing up and to witness the beautiful love they share for each other and for us.

“Our parents are two very lovely people – it’s been such a wonderful life and they’ve made it that way.”