Last week, we had the honor of hosting a wedding of two residents at The Meadows Retirement Community. It doesn’t happen often but it is always an exceptionally happy and inspiring occasion. And the Hollar wedding was no exception . . .
Claire Dawson (84) and Homer Hollar (86) met less than a year ago at The Meadows’ Bridge Club. Homer began to walk Claire back to her apartment after the games and they began attending other activities together. He noticed her in the dining room – how she would always help several other ladies who are in wheelchairs get seated and get their salads from the salad bar. He knew then that she was a terrific lady.
So, Homer began to seek advice on how to get better acquainted with Claire. He turned to an old classic movie, Sleepless in Seattle, to figure out how to get one-on-one time with Claire. In the movie, Tom Hanks invited a lady he was interested in back to his house to look at swatches. To his dismay, Homer didn’t have “swatches” but he now had a plan. He knew how to dance. And since Oktoberfest was coming up, and he intended to ask Claire to dance at Oktoberfest, he invited her over to his apartment for dance lessons. She agreed and after that first dance lesson in Homer’s apartment, they were officially a couple.
By December they knew they would be married. And on January 8, 2010 they made the official announcement and began planning their wedding – which was 3 weeks away! The couple decided to have both the ceremony and the reception at The Meadows because it is their home. They both love it there and have many friends there. So, staff at The Meadows kicked into high gear and began planning all the details of the ceremony and reception for them.
On January 29th, the couple was married in front of a small group of family and close friends. Homer’s son flew in from Hungary and his daughter and son-in-law came from Honduras. Grandchildren from Michigan and Austin were also present to celebrate the happy occasion. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Harris Shinn, a fellow resident at The Meadows. In a flowing periwinkle dress with a small bouquet of pink and white flowers, Claire walked down the aisle with her son-in-law and met her groom at the altar. With their children attending, the couple happily exchanged vows during the intimate ceremony.
After a few photos, the bride & groom joined wedding guests and fellow residents for a reception in the Atrium area at The Meadows. They enjoyed cake and toasted with champagne and then they kicked up their heels for some dancing.
As they celebrate their first Valentine’s Day together, the happy couple says it feels so nice to be married and to not feel lonely anymore. So congratulations to Homer & Claire and best wishes on many years of happiness!
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