Newlyweds Bring Wedding Magic To Granddad’s New Forest Care Home

A pair of newlyweds made a cross-country dash from Somerset to Lymington in Hampshire so the bride’s grandfather could share in their joy despite lockdown.

Covid restrictions meant Graham Burley, who lives at Colten Care’s Court Lodge care home, wasn’t able to attend the marriage ceremony itself.

To make up for it, bride and granddaughter Alex decided to bring a flavour of the celebrations direct to him.

Donning her white wedding dress once again, Alex travelled with groom Phillip Pearce to see Graham for what was an emotional visit all round.

Taking advantage of Colten’s safe-visiting policy, the visitors were able to see and talk to Graham through a Perspex screen in the home’s entrance meaning they were in close physical proximity without any risk of virus transmission.

Graham said: “It was emotional and I did shed a few tears. It meant so much to me to get to see Alex in the beautiful white wedding dress she wore on her special day.”

Staff at the home laid on bubbly and homemade cake and welcomed Alex and Phillip with cheers when they arrived.

Julia Puia, the home’s Companionship Team Leader, said: “We knew this was a very special visit and so we wanted to do all we could to help.

“It was lovely to see Graham with his granddaughter and her new husband enjoying some precious together.

“Alex also showed Graham some pictures and videos of the wedding itself so it felt like he was there.

“We congratulate the new Mr and Mrs Pearce and wish them all the very best for married life.”

Alex said: “We were thrilled to make grandad part of our special day. In such difficult times, keeping him safe from the virus was our top priority.

“We really wanted him to feel included in our wedding so we dressed up and thanks to Court Lodge were able to have champagne and cake with him.

“It was incredibly special to visit him.”