Hucknall care home recreates staff member’s wedding for residents she calls her ‘grandmas and grandads’
A Hucknall care home has recreated a staff member’s wedding so the residents she has cared for over the past seven years could share in her big day.
Samantha Fletcher, wellbeing facilitator at Buddleia House, officially married her husband Luke back in June.
But with residents having closely followed the couple’s relationship and wedding plans, Sam wanted them to experience the occasion for themselves rather than simply seeing photographs afterwards.
In August, she put her wedding dress back on and walked down the aisle for a second time, with around 40 residents and guests joining the celebration at the Milford Care-run home on Croft Avenue.
Sam said: “I could show them as many pictures as possible, but pictures aren’t the same as actually being there in person.
"I’ve been here for nearly seven years, so they’re a big part of my life, they’re like grandmas and grandads.”
Resident Alan was asked by Sam to walk her down the aisle, while Jess, another resident, shared a private ‘first look’ with her before the ceremony.
Sam wore her original wedding dress and styled her hair in the same way as she had for her June wedding.
The room was decorated using floral centrepieces Sam had saved from her original wedding, while photographs were placed on the tables for residents to look through.
Homemade confetti and cards created by residents added their own personal touch to the day.
Music from Sam’s wedding was used for her entrance and the couple’s exit, although the first dance had a special Buddleia House addition as resident Matt performed Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Following the ceremony, guests sat down for a three-course wedding breakfast, with residents given their own menus to choose from.
The meal included options such as roast beef with all the trimmings, followed by white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake for dessert.
The wedding recreation followed a surprise hen party organised for Sam at the home earlier in August.
Staff and residents planned the celebration in secret, decorating the home before she arrived for her shift and greeting her with a veil and bride sash before she made her entrance in a white party dress.
The lounge was transformed with a pink theme for the afternoon, with cocktails and mocktails served while residents and staff enjoyed party music.
Residents also played ‘how well do you know the bride?’, answering questions about Sam’s favourite things after almost seven years of knowing her.
Alisha Hussain, home manager, said: "Sam is such a dear member of our team and has built really special relationships with the residents.
"We had great fun surprising her with the hen party, but recreating the wedding was something really special.
"It was incredibly emotional seeing the residents play such an important part in the day and we feel very lucky that we were able to celebrate this chapter of Sam’s life together."
Sam added: “I can’t wait for the pictures to be printed.
"In a few years, we’ll be able to look back and say, ‘that was my wedding with the residents’.”