Dee’s Story

John and I met January 2007. This followed my experiencing several years of depression after the unexpected death of my daughter and only child and then being “dumped” by my ex significant other of 20+ years. Eventually I realized my daughter would have wanted me to start living again so I started forcing myself to start socializing again. Although I was not looking for a long-term relationship, or even romance – it found me anyway!

John proposed in April 2008. This would be the third wedding for both of us. Although I believe many thought it would have been more “appropriate” for us to have a courthouse wedding because of our age and it being the third marriage for both of us, we were determined to celebrate this new chapter in our life and celebrate we did! Our wedding was August 7^th, 2009.

I knew a white poofy dress and veil were not for me but I did want to look special on my wedding day. I ended up wearing a champagne-colored Nataya wedding dress, a veiled Victorian tea hat and Victorian-inspired lace boots. My bridesmaids included a long-time friend of over thirty years as well as two younger friends. They wore simple long, burgundy summer dresses and the menfolk wore grey suits and burgundy ties. They carried bouquets of silk cymbidium orchids and my bouquet featured the same flowers along with day lilies.

We had the wedding ceremony at one of the gardens at the college where I teach. The ceremony was an unique mix of Unitarian, Native American and Wiccan. My friends in facilities spruced up the gardens and another friend from IT (Instructional Technology) set up the sound system and cued the music. The prelude was “In your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. The processional was a beautiful rendition of “Nothing Else Matters” as performed by Apocalyptica.  The recessional was “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica. I do believe my beloved daughter sent us absolutely beautiful perfect weather for both days as a gift from heaven above!

We had a simple reception afterwards of light refreshments and cake at the college’s conference center. We then had a huge casual pig roast the next day. Then we honeymooned in the Bahamas!

We had a blast and we are proof that people can have a wonderful, unique wedding at any age!

My wonderful husband, Tom, and I met on Match.com on May 11, 2002, one of the best days of our lives. Both of us had been divorced for nearly two years and were doing our share of having one and done dates. Our first date consisted of flowers and a romantic dinner and less than two years later we were married.

We sold both of our individual houses and bought “our home” in the Palm Springs area. Our wedding was held in our backyard with 150 friends and family wishing us well. Many of our guests came from out of state a few days early and the house was like a big fraternity and sorority party for seven days. To keep our guests entertained, we organized a golf tournament the day before the wedding. Since it was a second marriage for both of us, we felt we could be a bit untraditional with our vows, required dress for the guests and our witnesses.

We exchanged short vows and devoted most of the time to short, related passages from “Born For Love”, which were read by some of the guests. Our attendees were invited to dress cool and comfortably-shorts were recommended. I had a “bride dude” and Tom chose my daughter in law as his witness.

It was empowering to throw out the normal traditions and create a ceremony that reflected our personalities. A ceremony we will always remember and now, a life full of promise.

Mary and Tom

Finding a mate while living in Utah as a 40- something woman can be daunting. Bars are not the easiest way to meet someone in this state. My three teenage children were my main focus and I had a full-time job. After being divorced for four years, I was ready to find another companion. With support from a younger family member, I was encouraged to check out online dating. I was assured it was a safe and modern way to meet people. So, I rolled up my sleeves and spent hours working on my personality profile for eHarmony. I hit the send button and waited. Days went by, nothing. Finally I realized I had selected a geographical area of zero! I changed that and the “matches” started flowing in. I met many possibilities online and dated several. One exceptional date turned into many more and that was Don. He was intelligent, fun loving, and interestingly, grew up only 10 miles from my home town. We had similar histories, beliefs and goals. Best of all, our attraction was mutual.

We each have three children, and when they finally met, they immediately developed friendships giving our relationship even more depth. Over time, including trips, holidays and family visits, we knew our relationship could work. Unfortunately, in our third year the fear of another failed marriage made Don run and he broke up with me. I was heartbroken. Four months later Don came back with an apology and a ring which I accepted after much heart to heart discussion. Six months later we were the last couple to be allowed to marry in the Supreme Court Chambers within the Utah State Capitol Building surrounded by our six children, family and close friends. We sometimes laugh that we should go on an eHarmony commercial! We are now in our second year and haven’t looked back.