The memorable celebration for Keystone Villa at Fleetwood residents was all things wedding and featured a wedding gown display, vow renewal ceremony and cake.
Keystone Villa at Fleetwood residents were in for a memorable celebration during an exclusive event called “A Walk Back Down the Wedding Aisle,” coordinated by Resident Life Director Kristen Kotsch.
The program, Kotsch noted, was inspired by a portrait — not one, but many. While talking with residents, she noticed a common item proudly displayed in their rooms, a wedding photo.
“This inspired me to ask questions and hear stories of their wedding day. The stories usually brought about smiles and gave me a better sense of who my residents were. In turn, during the conversations, we came up with some questions about the history of wedding traditions, and from there, the program began to take shape,” Kotsch said.
As part of the special presentation, she coordinated a one-day showing featuring wedding gowns sewn by local seamstress Maribel Melendez.
Mildred Keller and Lois Henne-Tearney, both residents of the retirement community, graciously loaned their handmade gowns for the private affair, and 56 wedding-day photos, all contributed by residents, were displayed.
“The program turned into a learning experience for many of us as we learned more about our residents, their wedding traditions, and the fashion styles of the times. It was also an opportunity for residents to reminisce and share their endearing stories of a special time in their lives,” Kotsch said.
A part of the celebration included an on-site vow renewal ceremony for residents Alton and Shirley Kehm. Officiated by Rev. Marty Milne from Christ Mertz Lutheran Church and in the presence of their community friends and family, the couple said, “I do” again to mark their 75th wedding anniversary.
Alton and Shirley are longtime residents of the area, hailing from Bowers and Fleetwood, respectively. Shirley’s father was former Fleetwood Borough Police Chief Leroy Oswald.
Together, they owned and operated Kehm’s Supermarket in Bowers, now known as Janelle’s Catering. Alton and Shirley have three children Bernice, Diane, and Dalton.
The Kehm’s shared advice for young couples, “Marriage has to be done together. You have to talk things over and consent with one another,” they said.
The event concluded with live music by Lucille Jazz Vocalist Quartet, a custom cake by Dining Director Tosha Bahr, and a champagne toast.
“Everyone seemed to leave uplifted and happy, exactly what you would want from ‘A Walk Back Down the Wedding Aisle,’” Kotsch noted.
