In a bitter-sweet final declaration of love, William ‘Bill’ Fitzgerald married his sweetheart of the last nine years.
Bill teared up when, to the strains of the wedding march, his bride, Yupin Saengkaew wove her way towards him. Seated in his wheelchair at a rose-festooned altar the ceremony took place at Bill’s home at Uniting AgeWell Manor Lakes Community.
Bill looked dapper in a new suit and a corsage. Yupin was breath-taking in a beautiful white strapless wedding dress. Chaplain Vic Pitman-Jones, known for his signature colourful-patterned shirts, cut an elegant figure in a black suit.
It was the first wedding held at Manor Lakes Community and residents and staff wore their best outfits for the occasion. The atmosphere was electric as the champagne chilled and kitchen staff put the final touches to the splendid reception banquet.
So many had a role to play. Lifestyle Coordinator Chithra Subramaniyam and the team worked hard at the beautiful decorations, transforming the area off the lounge into a pink and white arbour of roses and balloons. Personal Care Worker Sara Gurung, who is also a make-up artist, applied her magic touch to Yupin, who also had her hair done at the salon onsite.
The best man was retired headmaster Robert, who was in charge of the rings. His suite is next door to Bill’s and over the months the two have struck up a deep friendship chatting over a few cold beers at night. Yupin’s bridesmaid was her dear friend, Jintana.
Vic read the stirringly beautiful poem How do I love thee? by Elizabeth Barret Browning before the couple exchanged vows and rings. There were many lumps in throats and misty eyes, as residents and staff witnessed the highlight of a beautiful love story play out before them.
Warmth and humour coloured the ceremony. “Aren’t you going to kiss me?” cheekily asked Yupin, leaning in to tenderly kiss her husband.
To cheers and much laughter, Vic then formally announced, “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald. You may now both kiss!”
They promptly kissed again!
Bill gave a thumbs-up after signing the register and rose to his feet to address the people he regards as his family, with a special mention to Residential Services Manager Louise Harvey.
“I would like to thank everyone, especially you Louise! Thanks for coming. You are all so good even though I’m often so cranky.”
The couple cut the cake and then it was time to toast each other with bubbly and for Yupin to toss her bouquet.
“I’m very happy,” Bill said later. “She looks so beautiful. You know, I told Yupin I loved her a few months after we first started living together all those years ago.”
Theirs has been a heart-felt journey of love the second time around.
Bill, a retired motor mechanic, was widowed when he met Yupin, who was divorced with two children. They shared an instant connection. He taught her how to drive, she wowed him with her Thai cooking. They enjoyed spending time together.
Yupin, who works full time, visits Bill every day. “I’ve wanted to marry Bill for a long time,” she says. “I love him with all my heart. This is a dream come true. Today is so special.”
It was special - and fitting. In the end, it’s all about love. It always is.