Four Couples in Retirement Home Renew Vows on Valentine’s Day—With Staff as Bridesmaids and Groomsmen!

Valentine’s Day at Cedarview Gracious Retirement Home in Woodstock, Ontario, was more than just chocolates and roses but a full-blown celebration of love that has stood the test of time.

Engagement Coordinator Kasey Keenan orchestrated a wedding vow renewal event like no other, with not one, not two, but four couples saying “I do” all over again.

"Kasey did an amazing job or organizing the team, sourcing out decorations and bringing the event together," says Cedarview Retirement Home Executive Director Matthew Osborn. "I also gained some perspective and appreciation for all of the ways our couples came together. Some were celebrating 10 years together, while others have been married for over six decades. Seeing people find love for one another throughout their individual journeys was inspiring."

Read more: Galentine’s Day Done Right: Residents Go Glam in this Senior Living Facility

“Terry and Anne have been married for 20 years. Their daughter read the same poem she read at their wedding 20 years ago. The second couple, Sandy and Elizabeth, have been married for 31 years. They exchanged new rings. The third couple, Shirley and Kevin, have been married for 10 years, and this was her first time walking down an aisle, as they were married at a courthouse,” shares Keenan. “The fourth couple, John and Anne, have been married for 63 years. She had her original wedding dress re-sized and wore it!”

Keenan promptly reached out for volunteers and received an enthusiastic response from people eager to help: volunteer hairdressers, makeup artists, photographers, and an ordained minister. They also had a special meal and a DJ-led reception.

Before the ceremony, she hosted bachelor and bachelorette parties to round out the festivities. “[I] had these shirts made special for them!” she says.

Keenan and her team went all out with the wedding traditions.

The male staff stepped in as best men and walked the brides down the aisle, while the female staff served as lovely bridesmaids.

The bridesmaids carried blue handkerchiefs, the grooms kept old poems in their pockets, and the bouquets had charms with pictures of loved ones. It was like the loved ones were there, too, as they had framed photos of them in the front row.

With love in the air, Keenan was inspired to write a poem.

"I enjoyed seeing families and friends of our residents come to celebrate. Watching everyone share stories and pictures was heartwarming. The smiles, and happy tears were fantastic to see," adds Osborn.

Read more: Care Activities Falling Flat? 5 Steps to Engage Residents and Clients

For this retirement home, this year’s Valentine’s was a day of love, laughter, and lifelong commitment, proving once again that true love never retires.

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