A wedding is often one of the highlights of family life and usually the build up to the ‘big day’ is as exciting as the wedding day itself. Weddings linger in the memory and are often recalled with high emotion, laughter and a few tears, but, it is inevitable that as the years pass and everyone grows older, the likelihood of attending a wedding lessens and it is this very fact that was recognised by the Home Manager and staff at Hilltop Hall in Stockport. So, as a consequence, it was decided that the home would stage a ‘wedding day’ for all residents to attend as guests. The ‘happy couple’ were Adam Worsley and Rachel Foreman. Adam is a Director of Harbour Healthcare, who own the Hilltop site in Stockport, and he by happy coincidence is engaged to Rachel!
Handmade invitations were sent out to all residents three weeks before the wedding date and a programme of wedding themed activities began. ‘Lucky Silver Horseshoe’ decorating, ‘Prize Wedding Word Bingo’, a specially designed ‘Wedding Quiz’ and a special showing of the film ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, to name but a few, were enjoyed by everyone. The bride commented after the wedding ‘I was particularly touched to receive handmade silver horseshoes decorated by the residents’, so the care and love put into making these traditional wedding tokens were certainly appreciated. Of course, a pamper day with nail care and manicures was an absolute must on the day before the event. All of the activities prompted conversations, laughter and memories of many weddings from the past, the residents own special wedding days as well as those of friends and family. It has been a wonderful subject to explore and all residents were able to share their own unique experience.
On the day it was ensured that the residents enjoyed the whole wedding guest experience. Corsages, button holes, wedding hats and fascinators, were all selected to match specially chosen outfits. The main reception and lounge were decorated beautifully for the event with tulle and flowers. The atmosphere was just as you would expect while waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle with her father. Diane, the minister who attends the home, kindly agreed to proceed through the traditional wedding service. Rings were exchanged, registers signed, a photographer and buffet with 3 tier wedding cake, plus an entertainer to take over when the formalities came to their natural conclusion, nothing was forgotten. Adam, the groom, commented ‘It was touching to see those who were unable to make it to the ceremony still being included, as we visited the bedrooms to thank them for letting us use their home we had photographs taken with residents, which was great fun.’
Harbour Healthcare’s CEO and Owner, Andrew Worsley who attended as father of the Groom said “This proved to be a wonderful event for Hilltop Hall. The excitement began when our residents received their personalised invitations and from then, all attention turned to preparation for the big day. Time spent choosing outfits and hats proved to be time well spent and everyone certainly entered into the fun of the day, which was fantastic and everyone had a great time”
