Bev and Bob had a beautiful fall wedding in Kensington, Maryland. As a couple in their 70’s, they showed everyone that love has no limits.
Their grandchildren were very involved in the day. Their grandsons handed out programs and their granddaughters were flower girls.
I asked Bob about his favorite moments from the day, “Most of all, I loved seeing Bev come down the aisle, seeing the dress for the first time, made me really understand how lucky I was.”
“Rev. Adam Snell, Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, met with us for two 90-minute sessions to get to know us and our story. The three of us worked together to plan the wedding ceremony. We wanted to build it around our shared values of community service. As part of that theme, we chose as our scripture reading the Good Samaritan.”
After Bob decided to propose to Bev, he wanted it to be a very special occasion. According to Bev’s hints, he wanted it to be in a beautiful place. He also wanted Colby (Bev’s rescue pup and best friend) to be there when he popped the question. Bev shares, “Off the three of us went on a Friday afternoon in May to Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. After finishing our Subway sandwiches in a gazebo in the middle of the campus, Bob asked me to marry him. When I said yes, he presented me with a “placeholder ring” that he had purchased in a children’s shop in Rockville. It was a heart-shaped mood ring. The placeholder lasted less than 24 hours, but I have worn it on my right hand ever since.”
Bob and Bev walked into the reception joining in with the crowd singing Joy to the World by Three Dog Night.
Bev shares, “The time was special for each of us with friends there from all parts of our lives – from childhood, to young adulthood to recent years. It sometimes meant that Bob and I were separated so we could visit with as many friends as possible.”
The couple gave very heartfelt speeches starting with tributes to their late spouses – Bob spoke about Bev’s husband, Dick, and Bev spoke about Bob’s wife, Marge. Then they acquainted their friends with their new spouses by listing five things they each love about the other.
The music included folk songs and rock & roll from the 50’s and 60’s during cocktails and dinner and more contemporary lively music for dancing.
Bev shared with me, “We lost our spouses three years ago (a month apart) – Bob after 41 years and me after 22 to my second husband whom I regarded as the love of my life. Now it looks like I’ll have two loves of my life. Bob and I became tired of eating dinner alone at the same time in July 2011. We went online at seniorpeoplemeet.com, and found each other there, meeting for the first time on October 1, 2011.” Now a little over a year since that first meeting, they’re dancing at their wedding.
Congratulations Bev & Bob!
Special thanks to the team:
Reception Venue: Rock Creek Mansion
Wedding Coordinator: Julie Buckingham Carter, Rock Creek Mansion
Caterers: Coleman of Chesapeake Catering Co.
Wedding Cake: JennyCakes Bakery
Florist: Johnson’s Flower & Gardens Center
DJ: Steve Hoffman, Good Note DJs, Takoma Park
First Dance Instructor: Sarah Friedman of Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Flower Girls’ Dresses Designer: Molly Deale, assisted by Martha Deale
Hair Stylist: Julie Hunter, Oxygen Salon
Flower Girls’ Hair Stylist: Emily Deale
Ministers: Rev. Adam Snell and Associate Pastor Rev. Claire Matheny, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Organist: Marvin Mills of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Harpist: Meg Baker
Dear Bev and Bob: Being invited to participate in the celebration of your wedding was a beautiful experience. I was filled with happiness for you…and know that you will have an enjoyable and wonderous life together. A new world is open to you both as you share it through joint vision and effort that provides satisfying experiences and new perceptions. Please do keep in touch. If your travels ever bring you to the Princeton-Lawrenceville (New Jersey) area, please plan on stopping and visiting a time with me. May God bless you!
Bev and Bob – What a delight to see your lovely photos. I so wish I could have celebrated with you in person but seeing the photos, know that we are celebrating for you back at APU! Wishing you the very, very best! God bless you both! Liz
Dear Bev and Bob,
What a wonderful testament to renewal by being able to love, share, and adapt. You two are truly an inspiration! While I could not be there I appreciate that I could share in your togetherness and start of a new beginning through the picture gallery. Bev, your gown is beautiful!! Thank-you so much for including me in your joy.
Blessings to you both.
Nina Ashur
It was an honor to be included in the celebration of love between two people who exuded love to all in attendence. It will be a wedding we will always remember. Best wishes to Bev and Bob and their continued life of love together!
Peter and Marian Penn
Dear Bev and Bob, What a wonderful way to remember a very special day. Seeing the pictures helps me fill in the blanks, if you get my drift. So I say, to be continued–a brunch, every October 19th, forever! This makes it the gift that keeps on giving.:)Lots of love, Carolyn PS My wish for a continuation comes from seeing everyone so happy, and that is because the two of you were/are so happy. You can see it in the smiling faces. It rubbed off! You can see it in the pictures. C.
Bev – Betsy and I count it a blessing that we were able to come to your wedding. We were both very impressed with Bob and think that you picked well. Of course we know that he also picked well.
We do wish you much happiness. Please do keep in touch with us.
Blessings,
Dave and Betsy