Frankie King, who was 97 when she first married, never had a wedding dress at the time. But 77 years later, she finally got to walk down the aisle in a beautiful vintage white gown during a heartfelt reenactment of her wedding.
The joyous occasion took place at St. Croix Hospice in Iowa, where staff were honored to witness the touching reunion of Frankie and her husband, Royce. The couple originally tied the knot on September 16, 1944, under unusual circumstances—Royce was on a short leave before heading overseas during World War II, leaving no time for a proper celebration or bridal gown.
On September 24, 2021, the hospice team recreated their wedding ceremony. Frankie donned an elegant antique gown while Royce, 98 at the time, wore his Air Force uniform, waiting for his beloved in a makeshift chapel adorned with flowers. The couple’s daughter, Sue Bilodeau, helped her mother prepare for the day, ensuring every detail honored the original wedding’s spirit.
The event was filled with emotion, leaving staff and attendees teary-eyed. Henry Michaelson, a hospice photographer, recalled, “It was impossible to hold back tears watching the love between this incredible couple and seeing the care the staff put into making this happen.” The couple’s music therapist added to the magic, performing classic 1940s tunes on the saxophone and guitar.
As Frankie and Royce exchanged hand-holding kisses beneath the flower-covered arch, the love between them was palpable. Sue recalled her father’s reaction, saying he grinned like never before when he first saw his wife that day.
Surrounded by their two children, four grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, the couple relived one of the most significant days of their lives. The heartwarming celebration touched countless viewers online, with many commenting, “Breathtaking,” and “One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.” Hospice staff were praised for making the day an unforgettable memory for the devoted couple.
