When Gemma, Home Manager at Dunniwood Lodge Care Home in Bessacarr, Doncaster, travelled to Gretna Green to marry Cory, the residents she cares for made sure they were part of the day.
The idea came from the residents’ committee. Knowing they could not travel to Scotland for the ceremony, members decided to hold their own celebration at home instead.
Resident Lynn said: “We wanted to celebrate the special day as it is something worth celebrating for Gemma and Cory. It was a great opportunity to show our appreciation for all Gemma does for the home.”
Before the ceremony, residents joined Gemma on a video call as she got ready to walk down the aisle. They shared their congratulations and admired her hair, which had been styled for the day.
Back at Dunniwood Lodge, residents dressed in suits, dresses and fascinators, supported by Wellbeing Lead Laura and the wider care team. The kitchen team prepared a buffet tea, and local singer Mike Johns performed through the afternoon. In the evening, residents used a photo editing app to place themselves at Gretna Green alongside Gemma.
Laura said: “Residents and team all came together to show their love for Gemma and Cory’s special day and the singer in the afternoon brought everyone together in the loveliest way. Residents had a lot of fun in the evening using a photo editing app to make it look like they were actually at Gretna Green with Gemma.”
Gemma said: “It was so special for me to FaceTime them and see how happy they were to see me all done up. I think the most special part was seeing them all dressed up and celebrating my wedding. They really put so much effort into their outfits and looked amazing.”
The celebration came directly from residents through the residents’ committee, which gives everyone at Dunniwood Lodge a say in what happens at home. The committee also planned the home’s Halloween party.