Married couple re-enact wedding day at Shropshire care home for bride's gran
For most couples, their wedding day is a one-off event. But one pair of newlyweds came to Bishop's Castle for a repeat performance, all so the bride's 92-year-old grandmother would not miss out.
Florence and Ben Chapman re-enacted parts of their ceremony, complete with guests, at Coverage Care's Stone House care home in the town, where Florence's grandmother, Jean Hill, lives.
The couple had married at Polhawn Fort in Cornwall earlier this year but Jean was unable to travel. Instead, the couple donned their wedding outfits and performed the ceremony again, together with their flowergirl, two-year-old daughter Nia, and one of their seven bridesmaids, Florence's sister Jenny Fletcher.
Florence's parents Margaret and David Bill also took part in the day, and Margaret and family friend Penny Nicholls even performed the same song.
Penny, a registrar who married the couple in Cornwall, read out parts of the ceremony, and Florence and Ben re-enacted some of their vows.
Florence, 33, who comes from Shropshire but now lives in London, said it had been a magical experience for the whole family.
"It was very sad not to be able to have Granny there on the day, which was why we decided to recreate some of the wedding day for her at Stone House as we didn't want her to miss out.
"She and my grandfather were married for 70 years before he died at Christmas so it was very important for her to be able to witness me get married.
"We all dressed in our wedding outfits and Granny really enjoyed it," Florence said this week.
"Some of the other residents came to see what was going on as well. The staff were so lovely helping us to organise the day and we're very grateful."
Keturah Bloor, manager of Stone House care home, said: "We had some great things take place at Stone House over the years but never a wedding.
"Although it was a re-enactment it was a wonderful experience for Jean to be part of it and see her granddaughter get married.
"It was lovely for Jean to be able to see Florence in her wedding dress and toasted the happy day with champagne and cake.
"The 'wedding' took place in the day centre and other residents enjoyed the party spirit. It was a fantastic day and we're delighted we could help Florence make Jean's dream come true."
