Right when you reach the age of sixty, you start losing stuff, whether it’s the sharp memory that was your identity or the one you love for decades. Nancy was 77, and J.C. was 83 when they met, at an age when most of their lives had already been spent. Both had been in a happy marriage and had seen the pain of losing their partner. At the same time, Nancy’s husband contracted Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and J.C. was taking care of his wife, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s years before she passed away.
The happy and healthy marriages they had been in throughout their lives gave them an apparent and positive perspective of what love looks like, which is why, after carrying the weight of losing their love, both continued seeking joy. It was always prioritised, so the rest of their lives were not spent in grief. They were introduced to each other through a director, the key person behind putting forward the idea that together, they could be a powerful couple, and so, their first meetup was at the local bridge club. Guess what? The director was absolutely right!
Not long after that, they sat for a game of cards and ended up in a conversation that would last for hours. Their sense of music, books, and even spirituality made them fall for each other, and the friendship was then turned into love. Who knew grief could bring two souls close and make them fall for each other to bloom and grow. The couple did not want to waste more time and were ready to marry. The families were supported to an extent that Nancy’s daughter arranged a professional photographer, Jamie Vinson, for the special occasion.
They wanted to cherish the beauty of love and every memory they got to make. Jamie, too, was eager to photograph and capture the wedding day! The wedding ceremony was intimate, but everything was perfect, from the romantic setting to the beautifully decorated aisle lined with rose petals. It was held at the O. Henry Hotel in North Carolina. Nancy looked beautiful in her wedding gown, and J.C. looked dashing in his tuxedo. Both were ageing backwards, as their charming smiles and aura were everything!
In the next few minutes, Nancy was walking down the aisle towards J.C., and it was the highlight of the wedding day to see J.C.’s eyes well up with tears, seeing his bride. The couple did not see all this coming, and while their love was getting official, the moment was emotional for everyone in the room. In their vows, they promised to cherish each other’s presence and never let the love fade while they held hands and gave each other the look of love.
After officially being pronounced husband and wife, their lives were complete. The emptiness was healed, and the environment was filled with love and laughter while everyone in the room held margaritas. The reception was all about dancing, having the yummiest cake, and an overall joyful ceremony. Their dance closed the night. How the couple held on to each other with locked eyes and beautiful smiles said it all about how love has no link to age and that even after loss, you can still hope to fall in love!
It was not an ordinary wedding ceremony but the perfect reminder for those who have been grieving loss for years. Loss is and will forever remain a part of life. However, we can seek love, as no matter what our age or story is, new beginnings can take place anywhere, anytime. Thus, never stop looking forward to the good things in life!
