On August 28, 1962, Yousuf and Estrellita Karsh were married. They met in March 1961 when Karsh was in Chicago on assignment to photograph Dr. Walter C. Alvarez. As Alvarez’ medical editor, Estrellita helped bring his writing to millions of readers through his syndicated newspaper columns, articles and books – she had a talent for turning complex scientific ideas into accessible content for everyday readers.

In Maria Tippett’s biography “Portrait in Light and Shadow” it is noted that their courtship had “an unpromising beginning,” with Estrellita later recalling she was “past the panic side of twenty-five” and quite content with her independent lifestyle. After 15 months of Yousuf traveling to Chicago and Estrellita visiting Ottawa, they married. The wedding was officiated by Bishop Fulton Sheen at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

Incidentally, press photographer William Lovelace’s portrait of the couple was the first image to be sent from New York to the Daily Express’s headquarters in London via the satellite Telstar, which had been launched earlier that year.