Emotional moment newlyweds get married for a second time so the bride’s grandmother, 90, can watch ceremony through window of her care home as she isolates during pandemic
- Harvey and Virginia Sydnor got married on October 20, 2020 in Richmond, VA
- Mrs Sydnor, 36, was unable to invite her grandmother Virginia, 90, to the event
- Instead, staff at the Windsor Senior Center arranged a second wedding
- Mr Sydnor, 51, said seeing his wife and her grandmother’s reaction was amazing
A pair of newlyweds undertook a beautiful gesture for the bride’s grandmother, by getting married for the second time so she could attend a private ceremony.
Virginia Cannon, 90, was brought to tears when she watched her granddaughter, also named Virginia, and husband Harvey Sydnor marry through the window of her care facility in Richmond, Virginia.
Harvey, 51, and Virginia, 36, initially tied the knot on October 10, 2020 – but when Virginia’s grandmother couldn’t attend because of health reasons and the pandemic, the couple wanted to do everything they could to make sure she did not miss out on wedding.
Harvey Sydnor, left, and his wife Virginia, center, got married for a second time so her grandmother Virginia Cannon, right, could witness the ceremony from inside her care home in Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Cannon, 90, pictured, was unable to attend the original ceremony due to ill health so staff at the care home facilitated a repeat of the wedding
Mrs Cannon, right, stood behind a door while her granddaughter and Mr Sydnor repeated their vows
The new bride spoke to Windsor Senior Center’s activities director, Christina Scott, to see if there was anything extra that could be done.
She was informed that her grandmother could not leave the center because of the risk of Covid-19, however, Ms Scott suggested that a ‘mock wedding’ could be hosted at the facility.
Mr Sydnor, who is from Richmond, Virginia, said: ‘At first, I was just going through the motions of the ceremony.
‘It wasn’t until later that I could see her grandmother’s reactions.
‘It brings tears to my eyes every time I see the video and the joy in her voice to see her granddaughter walking down the aisle.
‘No matter what situation you are in, make the best of it.
‘Keep others’ feelings and health in mind. Do the little extra to bring smiles to someone else’s face, and you reap the rewards.
‘COVID is a situation – we just need to work around it.’
The entire wedding party got dressed up for a second time so Mrs Cannon could see their outfits
The couple even had a second wedding cake created for their repeat special day
Mr Sydnor, pictured with his wife Virginia, said he was surprised by how emotional the ceremony was