A couple who lost contact after a broken engagement 60 years ago tied the knot in an emotional wedding on the weekend.

Key points: Tom and Judith met at teacher's college in Brisbane in 1957, where they were paired up for their annual ball, and two years later were engaged

Tom and Judith met at teacher's college in Brisbane in 1957, where they were paired up for their annual ball, and two years later were engaged But it wasn't meant to be: Judith's mother disapproved and Judith moved to New Zealand — Tom thought she was dead. Both moved on and were married to other people for decades

But it wasn't meant to be: Judith's mother disapproved and Judith moved to New Zealand — Tom thought she was dead. Both moved on and were married to other people for decades Sixty years on, the pair reunited and have now tied the knot after finally meeting face-to-face again for the first time in April

Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, met at teacher's training college in Brisbane in 1957 and two years later were engaged.

But fate had other plans for them, until they met up face-to-face for the first time at the beginning of this year.

"I think we're pretty lucky," Judith said of their reconnection.

"The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible."

In an intimate ceremony with family and close friends, Tom placed on Judith's finger the same ring he had been keeping safe all this time.

"I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted," Tom said.

Tom and Judith lost touch for 50 years after their first engagement but Tom kept the rings in his cabinet. ( ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler )

What happened?

The future had looked bright for the couple in 1959, when Tom landed a job teaching in Beaudesert and Judith decided to move from her job in north Queensland back to her home in Redcliffe.

But she did not count on her family's reaction.

"I thought 'this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit', but at home it was really difficult," Judith recalled.

"Mum didn't want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me."

So Judith packed up her bags and moved to New Zealand, where she got a job as a high school teacher, married and set up a new life.

Judith Beston was teaching in Charters Towers, north Queensland, when she and Tom decided to marry. ( Supplied: Judith Beston )

"She just disappeared," Tom said.

"I didn't know where she was; I couldn't find her anywhere in Australia.

"I thought she was dead."

Tom placed the engagement and wedding rings in a wooden cabinet, where they stayed for the next 60 years, and moved on with his life.

He moved back to his home in central Queensland, marrying fellow teacher Sylvia in Rockhampton, where they raised their four girls.

The two retired to a small farm until Sylvia died after 53 years of marriage.

In New Zealand, Judith married an Englishman, Norman, and they raised seven children between them, including two adopted Maori children, until Norman passed away 35 years later.

Tom's search

During this time, their college — now called the Queensland University of Technology — held Golden Graduate Reunions every 10 years and Tom went to each one, looking for Judith.

Tom Susans went to each of his Golden Graduate Reunions at QUT, hoping to find Judith. And after 50 years, he did. ( Supplied )

The 30-year reunion ticked by, and then the 40-year union.

"She wasn't at either of those," Tom said.

"At the 50-year reunion, I didn't even look for her."

But when Tom returned home and went through the names of the 400 or so attendees, there was Judith's name and he could not believe it.

Tom phoned.

"She pointed out she was still alive," he laughed.

They finally met face-to-face in 2009 at another Golden Graduates Reunion and spent the time catching up, but despite this they only kept in touch through Christmas cards for the next decade.

Judith had been widowed for some time, but it was not until Sylvia died that a correspondence sprang up between the couple.

And it was only in April this year that the two finally met up face-to-face again, when Judith made the trip as part of her 80th birthday celebration.

The two holidayed up the Queensland coast, and Tom proposed again.

"When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway," Judith said.

"Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen."

Surprise

It was all a surprise to Tom's friend, Don Waterson.

Don has known Tom since they were at teachers training college together and they meet regularly with a group for retired teachers from their local high school in Rockhampton.

"Three or four months ago, Tom brought this woman along and her name was Judith," Don said.

"And she appeared at two of the meetings and at the second one, he announced that he and Judith were engaged and it's just as well that we were sitting down because we were quite surprised."

Judith's wedding and engagement rings have been stored carefully in Tom's wooden cabinet for 60 years. ( ABC Capricornia: Erin Semmler )

Don said his friend was a naturally cheery fellow but had been quite lonely after Sylvia died.

"We know what a happy life he'd led, and we had no indication of this event that happened to him 60 years ago."

Don, who attended the wedding, said it was an emotional affair.

"Everybody knew what had been at stake and it was particularly moving when he put that wedding ring on her finger."

"I have to say they had a bit of trouble getting it on, but they persevered," Don said.

And this weekend, Tom and Judith are back in Brisbane to attend their 60th Golden Graduate Reunion, coming full circle.