'It's one to remember.' Retirement residence couple exchange vows in London
It is often a joyous, emotional event; when a couple shares vows and declares life-long love.
A unique ceremony filled the room with love on Saturday as guests filed into a small chapel on the fourth floor of the Chelsey Park retirement residence just after the noon hour. There to celebrate a commitment ceremony for 88-year-old Kevin Martin and 90-year-old Olga Lloyd.
Officiant Ruth McGregor oversaw the ceremony, "Now you will feel no solitude for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons but you will lead one life."
There was an exchange of rings and then McGregor formally declared the bond, "It is my great pleasure to declare that you are now joined in love. You make now kiss each other. Congratulations."
Then it was down to the banquet room of the retirement residence where the couple live. Chelsey Park Executive Director Sandra Gormandy said it's been a while since vows were exchanged there, "At Chelsey Park, it happened 20 years ago. This is quite something. It's one to remember and we'll be talking about this for a long time."
During the reception Kevin and Olga were at each other's side constantly, hand-in-hand or holding each other around the waist. There was even some good-natured ribbing when Kevin was asked about what brought them together. “When we first met we just seemed to hit it off together,” Kevin started to answer. That’s when Olga stood up, gave him a kiss on the head and interjected, “Don't believe everything he says.” The exchange brought a broad smile to Kevin’s face.
According to Olga’s daughter Dayna Lloyd, "They are always together. Always beside each other, always smiling and they compliment each other."
Friends and family came from across Canada for the gathering, including Olga's three older sisters who were front row for the ceremony. Granddaughter Emma Flemington came from Vancouver, "When we heard that they wanted to do this together and have this, sort of, ceremony and celebrate their love. I think everybody in the family was really excited to be there for them."
Olga appreciate the kindness and show of support, "They have been so good to us. Maybe it's because we're an oddity, you know. You don't get married at this age but they have been fantastic."
The only challenge, Olga and Kevin could barely find time to sit down with a steady stream of well-wishers wanting to celebrate their nuptials.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Follow Live: JD Vance officially nominated at RNC
The Republican National Convention kicked off this week, with delegates and officials descending on Wisconsin amid the tumult that follows a Saturday assassination attempt on Trump as he becomes the GOP’s official nominee. Follow for live updates of the RNC.
'Somebody who knows Canada well': Ambassador says of Trump running mate JD Vance
Canada's ambassador to the United States says Sen. JD Vance, the recently announced pick for former U.S. president and Republican nominee Donald Trump's running mate, 'knows Canada well.'
Trucker who caused Broncos crash applies to have permanent resident status returned
The truck driver who caused the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash has applied to have his permanent resident status returned.
Sask. TikTok star Bella Brave dies after latest hospitalization
Sask. TikTok star "Be Brave" Bella Thomson has died. She was 10-years-old.
NFL Hall of Famer says he was unjustly handcuffed and 'humiliated' on a flight
Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis said Monday he was 'humiliated' after being handcuffed and removed from a United Airlines flight, then later apologized to by law enforcement, over the weekend.
Manitoba man who rammed gates of Rideau Hall granted statutory release
A Manitoba man who armed himself and rammed the gates of Rideau Hall with a truck in 2020 to confront Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been granted statutory release.
'Balaclava rapist' Larry Takahashi gets full parole more than 40 years after attacks
A serial sex offender known as the "balaclava rapist" for attacking 23 women in Edmonton more than 40 years ago has been granted full parole while he continues to serve three concurrent life sentences.
Motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive
Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for unity and resilience after an attempt on his life injected fresh uncertainty into an already tumultuous presidential campaign, while President Joe Biden implored Americans to 'cool it down' in the final stretch and 'resolve our differences at the ballot box.'
Who is JD Vance? Things to know about Donald Trump's pick for vice president
Former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday chose Sen. JD Vance of Ohio to be his running mate as he looks to return to the White House.