Couple recreate wedding ceremony at care home for Grandpa

Jewish Care volunteers Stephen Shelton and Stuart Kaye led a mock service, and Hayden’s brother, Scott Steinberg, played the guitar and sang before the traditional breaking of the glass.

Aside from flowers, refreshments and balloons, Jewish Care employees and residents joined the celebration, dressing up especially.

Happy couple Hayden and Jemma Steinberg[Missing Credit]

Groom Hayden, from Edgware, paid tribute to the staff at the care home, saying afterwards: “We couldn’t believe how professional and beautiful the setup was. At first, we were disappointed Grandpa couldn’t be at the actual ceremony, but it would have been stressful for him to travel to Manchester for the actual wedding. So, having a celebration with him surrounded by people he knew made all the difference. The service was led by people he was familiar with, and the room was filled with faces he recognised, making it so much easier and more comfortable for him.”

Hayden said he was especially moved by how the event brought joy not only to his family but also to the residents. “We were doing it mainly for Grandpa, but it touched us so much to see the effect it had on everyone there. The residents were stunned to see a bride. Even one of Grandpa’s old friends came, someone he hadn’t seen in about ten years. Mum reached out to him, and that made the day even more special.”

His bride Jemma described the day as “so special” and Wallace’s daughter, Kim Steinberg, who had approached the Vi & John Rubens home with the idea, said afterwards: “It meant the world to us. My dad couldn’t be at the real wedding, but this brought the wedding to him. It was perfect.”

Jacklin Stephenson, the care home’s social care coordinator, said: “For many of our residents who haven’t seen or been to a wedding recently, it was such a joy. Moments like these encourage them to reminisce on happy times from their own lives, and that’s exactly what we’re here for, to improve the lives of our residents and to enhance their wellbeing. You could see how proud Wallace was to be a part of it.”