Love that lasts a lifetime may sound like a fairytale, but for Joe and Fanny Campanella, it’s a reality.

Their story begins in 1946 with a first date. Joe, 100, remembers like it was yesterday.

“When I saw her come through the door, I said, ‘This is the one,’” Joe recalled.

It was a blind date. Fanny, 97, said.

“He was charming, he really was, and we had a good time.”

One year later, they were married. Eventually, they built a life on a Middleburgh farm with their two children: Mary Anne and Bill.

“Now we’ve got a big, big family,” Joe said. “I can’t even tell you how proud I am of my kids, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren. All this legacy will be here after us.”

“God willing,” Fanny added. “That would be nice.”

Of course, 78 years of marriage comes with its challenges. But the Campanellas give one piece of advice that keeps them strong.

“Don’t get mad and walk away,” Joe said. “Talk, talk. And I’m sure everything will work out if you discuss it.”

“Yes, absolutely,” Fanny agreed. “That’s very important.”

Fanny said she can’t believe it’s been almost eight decades together. She has no regrets, she said.

Now they look back on their lives together in pictures inside their Saratoga home.

Meet them both, and hear more of their advice on having a long, successful marriage, by watching the video of NewsChannel 13 producer Jolie Santiago’s story.