Couple celebrate wedding at care home to be with dementia-struck mum

Written by

admin

in

Iolo CheungBBC Wales News

BBC A photo of Rachel Berry, and her new husband, Mike Berry, at the top of the alter surrounded by guests during the wedding ceremony. Rachel wears a white long wedding gown, has a short haired, curly updo, and holds hands with Mike, who wears a navy suit. The celebrant stands inside two patio doors, wearing a suit. A silver balloon arch is behind the couple and over the head of the registrar. BBC

The bride said it was “a magical, special day”

For Rachel Berry, getting married without her mother there would have been unthinkable – even if it meant moving the entire event.

While options may have been limited to ensure the attendance of Rachel’s mother, Ruth, 75, who lives with dementia and is unable to leave her care home, the solution for Rachel and her husband-to-be Mike was a simple one.

Their wedding celebration on Wednesday took place at the care home itself – with the bride, groom, Rachel’s mother, family, friends as well as the residents and staff there.

“We wouldn’t have got married if we weren’t able to have mum there with us,” said Rachel, 43, adding it had been a “magical, special day”.

The couple, from Ross-on-Wye, met through work and got married at the registry office in Usk, Monmouthshire on Wednesday morning, before heading straight to the care home in Abergavenny to continue celebrating.

Staff at Foxhunters Care Community had decorated the venue with balloons and a red carpet, while Ruth and her fellow residents took the opportunity to dress to the nines for the big occasion.

The blessing ceremony was conducted by the home’s maintenance manager Richard Clarke, a registered celebrant.

Dormy Care Communities The couple and their family, including Rachel's mother, Ruth, smiling outside in the garden of the carehome. The woman far left is wearing a leopard print dress with a large white hat, she has dark reddy-brown hair. Next to her is an older woman in a black and white dress. To the right of her is a balding man with a blue three piece suit and cream tie and flower. To the right of him is a woman in a white wedding dress holding a bunch of white flowers. Next to him is a man who has short grey-black hair and a blue three piece dark blue suit, he also has a cream tie and flower. And finally to his right is a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and a blue off the shoulder flowery dress. They are stood in the garden and you can see trees, grass and flowers behind them. To the right is a cream and right bricked building. Dormy Care Communities

Rachel Berry’s mum, Ruth, (second left) was “so happy” to see her daughter get married

“Rachel had asked us a couple of weeks ago if she could hold her wedding [here] so her mum could be part of it,” said care home manager, Leah Mort.

“We have never held one before, so it’s been quite exciting.

“It’s been amazing [for the residents]. This morning they were all getting ready, putting their hats on.

“Ruth is so happy to see her daughter get married, you can’t write it.”

Rachel was given away by her brother Simon, while her sister-in-law Emma had two important roles – as both maid of honour and best man.

“I have been quite bossy making sure everyone is doing their part, and at the right time,” said Emma.

“When she said she was going to do it here I thought it was a fabulous idea.

“I’ve been over the moon to be part of her special day, and having her mum here as well.”

For the happy couple, they could not have done it any other way.

“It’s been such a whirlwind,” said Mike.

“We hadn’t seen the setup before, so walking in it was absolutely amazing.”

Rachel added that she was incredibly grateful to the home for accommodating their request.

“They have made it a really special day,” she said.

“Mum has definitely enjoyed it.

“They’ve done brilliantly getting her ready and being by her side, the support has been amazing.

“We wanted everybody to be part of our day.”

Continue Reading

More posts