They are as much in love today as where 55 years ago when they first visited Bermuda.

It was on June 14, 1952 when Dilio and Patricia DiPasquale first arrived aboard the splendour that was the Queen of Bermuda. Like all of the ladies, Patricia was clad in a floral dress, complete with hat and white gloves, while Dilio was dressed in a jacket and tie.

"We found it exciting because we were young and had very limited experience with travelling," Mrs. DiPasquale shared, with a twinkle in her eye as she looked back over the years.

"The Queen of Bermuda was an elegant ship with old fashioned appointments," she added.

The pair recall many coming to greet the ship, before they were transported for a delightful honeymoon at the old Castle Harbour Hotel.

Since that very first, magical trip, the DiPasquales have returned to Bermuda six more times. They celebrated their tenth anniversary at the Castle Harbour, their 25th at the Southampton Princess, and their 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries at the Hamilton Princess.

They have also toured the Island twice via cruise ship with their children, who have also come to Bermuda for their honeymoons.

The Island has proven to be truly magical for the entire family.

The couple's daughter, Jill LaBarre, shared: "As they began to build their life together, their fondness of Bermuda lingered in their memories. Over the years, at family gatherings, we have all enjoyed looking at the pictures from so many years ago.

Still, my father's favourite picture of mother is in front of the large fireplace in the lounge at Castle Harbour. We were so impressed with the social graces of the time and how tourists dressed in the evenings for dinner and dancing.

"My parents were able to return to your beautiful Island several times through their happy life together both on cruises and stay-over trips. With every visit, their love of Bermuda seemed more romantic.

"They would speak of the adventurous entry of the ship through the narrow passageway or the mystical allure of staying in Hamilton with the views of the harbour and quaintness of Front Street.

"I can remember the awe in my mom's face as she spoke of a fancy dinner at the Neptune Room at the Southampton Princess and how I couldn't wait for a treat like that."

The couple have had the opportunity to travel to several other islands in the Caribbean, but to them, there was no comparison.

"It's like God took this little piece of paradise and dropped it in the middle of the Atlantic!" Mrs. DiPasquale said. "Everyone we've sent here just adores it."

Through the years the DiPasquales have seen numerous changes to the Island, from everything to what people wear when they travel to the existence of certain shops.

"I was very sad to see Trimingham's gone. I thought the shop, itself, offered a lot," Mrs. DiPasquale said.

"It was an icon," Mr. DiPasquale added.

Of course the ability to stay married for 55 years is quite an accomplishment.

"We stayed married for spite," Mrs. DiPasquale said, giggling, while her husband laughingly looked on. "And the second reason was that no one wanted to take the children."

"Seriously, we love each other dearly," she quickly added.

The couple, who hail from northern New Jersey, spend much of their time spoiling their two grandsons, while Mr. DiPasquale also serves as a part-time consultant for a firm in New York City.

"If you're lucky enough to marry your best friend, you are apt to be happy," Mrs. DiPasquale said. "It takes work. The best thing is not to stay angry and don't be afraid to be the first to say sorry."

Their biggest marriage secret?

"Every night, kiss each other goodnight."