There was love in the air and Elvis was in the building Friday afternoon at The Wexford.
The Tsawwassen retirement community, one of four Bria Communities in South Delta and Langley, hosted a Las Vegas-style wedding vow renewal ceremony honouring three couples who celebrated a combined 204 years of love on a day befitting the occasion – Valentine’s Day.
Les (94) and Elinor (92) Edgeworth married 71 years, Lloyd (89) and Irene Knoblauch (89) married 71 years, and Larry (81) and Irene (80) Shaw married 62 years all said they enjoyed celebrating their love in front of close to 100 spectators including residents, family members, neighbours and staff.
The Edgeworth’s were married in Vancouver in 1949, the Knoblauch’s were also married in Vancouver in 1949 while the Shaw’s were married in Goderich, Ont.
The Wexford recreation team arranged a celebration that rivaled one held at the Chapel of Love in Vegas.
The couples were brought down the aisle by flower lady Desley Cook, the ceremony was officiated by Elvis impersonator Ronnie Scott and each couple was bestowed red leis and scarves. The ceremony was held under a flowery arch and following the ceremony there were champagne toasts, a 'first' dance, cake cutting, and entertainment by The King.
John Meier from The Wexford said all the credit for the event goes to head of recreation Diane James.
“Diane has been doing this for years at the Waterford and now here at the Wexford. We had Elvis here for New Years Eve and she thought this would be a great idea for Valentine’s Day,” said Meier. “She put out the call to the residents. We had a few in mind. These three couples here are incredible. It’s such a great story. All three couples…you can see why they have been together for so long. They are just really nice, wonderful people.”
Irene Knoblauch said they got engaged on Valentine’s Day 72 years ago.
“It’s wonderful to remember that special moment. It’s very nice,” she said. “We’ve enjoyed living here and meeting such wonderful people. It’s a great day.”
See below for more photos from the ceremony.
