A heartfelt and extraordinary celebration unfolded in the heart of Iowa, bringing tears of joy to all who were lucky enough to witness it. It was a celebration of love that spanned not just decades, but entire generations. Frankie King, the then youthful 97-year-old bride who didn’t wear a wedding dress on her big day, finally had the chance to do so, a remarkable 77 years after she first said: “I do”. The story of Frankie and her beloved husband Royce is a testament to enduring love, determination, and the power of a special moment that touched the hearts of many.
Their love story began on September 16, 1944, when Frankie and Royce exchanged vows, promising to stand by each other’s sides. However, Frankie did not have the opportunity to wear a wedding dress that day. It was a simple ceremony that took place without much notice as Royce was on a short leave before being deployed overseas during World War II. Their wedding was without the extravagance that many dream of, but it was full of love and a deep sense of commitment.
77 years of company
The re-enacted wedding featured plenty of heartwarming moments, and the hospice staff as a whole couldn’t stop swooning over the adorable couple. At the time, Henry Michaelson, a photographer working for the St. Croix, expressed the following thoughts:
“Witnessing the emotion with this beautiful couple and the love and compassion their team put into planning this event for them made it so hard not to cry on camera,” said the photographer.
The couple’s daughter, Sue Bilodeau, also attended the event, helping her mother get ready. Dressed in his Air Force uniform, King’s 98-year-old husband stood next to a temporary altar that was decorated with flowers as he awaited the arrival of his beloved bride.
Hospice staff asked an elderly couple for their wedding photos, leading to a makeover of the wedding occasion. Sue Bilodeau, King’s daughter, stated why her parents could never enjoy a lavish wedding: “Mom mentioned, ‘We got married on a two-day layoff while Dad was only on a short vacation…before he went overseas in the world.’ war II In addition, we were not able to prepare a big wedding. At their home, Oelwein King and Royce receive help and care from the St. Croix. Hospice staff made the amazing decision to transform their backyard into a 1940s-style wedding venue just weeks before the wedding.
Light of love
The couple’s music therapist enhanced the event by playing popular songs from the 1940s on his saxophone and guitar. Kacie Derr, another employee of Hospice St. Croix, recalled the special event: “The sparkle in her eyes — I wish everyone could see it. She told me how beautiful she felt.”
As they posed in front of a floral archway, Royce and King gazed tenderly into each other’s eyes, kissing and hugging. According to Bilodeau, her father had the biggest smile and would not stop smiling when he saw her mother.
Public reaction
With several well-wishers in attendance, the royals – who have two children, four grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren – enjoyed the most memorable day of their lives. Netizens also enjoyed their beautiful reunion and were eager to express their affection.
Other comments from the user read: “Breathtaking moments captured in many ways (sic).” “That’s one of the sweetest things I’ve seen,” said the other person. We appreciate the hospices and everyone who helped make this a great day. brought tears to my eyes. Charming!!”
However, the story took a heartbreaking turn when Royce died on February 2, 2022. His love for Frankie and the fond memories of their overplayed wedding day lives on as a testament to the enduring power of love.
In the end, Frankie and Royce’s love story reminds us all that love knows no boundaries, not even the boundaries of time. Their recreated wedding, 77 years after their first vows, was a celebration of a love that has endured throughout the years and touched the hearts of all who witnessed it. It serves as a reminder that true love, once found, is a treasure that lasts a lifetime and beyond.