March 3, 2023, 7:36 AM
When Hannah Jobey and Jay Harris held their wedding in Northumberland, North East England, Hannah’s grandmother Liz was unable to attend.
Liz Jobey, 86, has dementia. And, due to this condition, it was impossible for him to go to the place of the party.
But the couple, not wanting Liz to miss the event, decided recreate parts of the ceremony later in the nursing home especially for her.
Hannah, a 29-year-old primary school teacher, was back in her wedding dress and cutting the cake with her husband at the Eothen Home for the Elderly in Wallesend, which specializes in dementia care.
“I always wanted my grandmother to be a part of our wedding and if we did it this way she could be involved, but in a way that made her feel at home,” says Hannah.
“I would have liked him to be there on the wedding day, but in the end I am very happy to have done it this way.”
“My grandmother was so relaxed and happy and that was very important to all of us. He held my hand all the time, did not let go and looked at my dress.
“It allowed me and my family to make memories that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.”
Hannah and Jay tied the knot in August 2022, but waited five months for Hannah’s sister and her main bridesmaid Esme to return from college to recreate the festivities.
“Completely magical”
Steve, Liz’s eldest son, says the decision not to take her to the royal ceremony was “extremely difficult.”
“Actually, my mom hasn’t been able to get in a car in almost two years. She just can’t get in and gets really upset. We came to the conclusion that it would not be the best for her“.
“In the interim, we didn’t mention to Mom that Hannah got married, because we didn’t want her to upset or confuse her.”
“The same day, my sister Ruth went and got it ready and then Hannah and Jay walked in dressed to the nines. They told her they got married and came to see her.”
“When Hannah walked in, my mom was absolutely thrilled. It was like a light went on.”
“Mom took her hand and said, ‘You look so beautiful.’ It made me so happy that we did it the way we did it. It was completely magical.”