When Kim and Ian Steinberg’s son Hayden married Jemma in Cheshire, it was a beautiful day.
However, sadly, Kim’s father, Wallace Leventhal, who lives at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Rubens House care home, was unable to travel to the wedding. Unfortunately, Marilyn Goldstone, Jemma’s grandma, was also unable to attend.
When Kim spoke to Jacklin Stephenson, the care home’s Social Care Coordinator, about the possibility of creating a special celebration at Vi & John Ruben’s House, Jacklin immediately knew she wanted to make it happen.
“For me, it was fantastic that he was able to join the wedding via Zoom,” she shared.
“But to recreate the wedding here was fabulous, so I was thrilled. For many of our residents who haven’t seen or been to a wedding recently, it was such a joy. Moments like these encourage them to reminisce on happy times from their own lives, and that’s exactly what we’re here for, to improve the lives of our residents and to enhance their wellbeing.”
Jacklin and the team at Vi & John Ruben’s House care home pulled out all the stops to bring the wedding to Wallace, arranging for a chuppah to be made in the home so Wallace could share in his grandson’s big day. Balloons, flowers and refreshments filled the room, and staff and residents joined in the celebration dressed in their finest attire.
“You could see how proud Wallace was to be a part of it,” said Jacklin.
Jemma’s parents, Amanda and Paul Becker travelled from Manchester to be part of the event, so it was a real family occasion.
The couple, joined by family and friends, took part in a mock service led by Jewish Care volunteer, Stephen Shelton, and Stuart Kaye. Hayden’s brother. Scott Steinberg took care of entertainment, playing the guitar for everyone and singing before the traditional breaking of the glass. After the ceremony, everyone gathered for sandwiches and refreshments, and the family were joined by friends and relatives of care home residents.
The bride, Jemma, was overjoyed by the occasion.
She said, “I thought it was such a lovely idea to recreate our wedding for Wallace. It meant so much for Hayden and me to be able to celebrate our wedding with him. Having the mock wedding with him was so special.”
The effort to make the day so special was astounding, and touched everyone who attended- residents, families, and staff alike. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed an afternoon tea in the sunshine.
Wallace, who is 87 years-old, was deeply moved by the day and became emotional seeing his family celebrate together. Talking after the mock-wedding and celebration, Wallace said, “It was excellent, I found it very moving. Everything went very well, and the staff were very kind. There was a first-class atmosphere. Family means a lot, and I’m pleased that I live in a Jewish home. I think that I’m very fortunate.”
Kim, Wallace’s daughter, added. “It meant the world to us. My dad couldn’t be at the real wedding, but this brought the wedding to him. It was perfect.”
Hayden summed it up, saying, “The Vi & John Rubens House staff and volunteers were all so helpful. We couldn’t believe how professional and beautiful the setup was. At first, we were disappointed Grandpa couldn’t be at the actual ceremony. But it would have been stressful for him to travel to Manchester for the actual wedding. So, having a celebration with him surrounded by people he knew made all the difference. The service was led by people he was familiar with, and the room was filled with faces he recognised, making it so much easier and more comfortable for him.”
Hayden was especially moved by how the event brought joy not only to his family but also to the residents:
“We were doing it mainly for Grandpa, but it touched us so much to see the effect it had on everyone there. The residents were stunned to see a bride.”
“Even one of Grandpa’s old friends came, someone he hadn’t seen in about ten years! Mum reached out to him, and that made the day even more special.”
Every detail had been carefully thought through. The team created printed ‘Jemma & Hayden’s Wedding’ programmes for residents in the lead-up to the day.
“Jemma walked around me seven times, we had the Sheva Brachot with wine, another glass for me to break, and my brother, Scott, played guitar as we walked down the aisle.”
“Jewish Care has been so amazing to my grandpa,” Hayden reflected. “During Covid, when he was living alone, he lost a lot of his confidence. But the staff have brought that back. This wedding celebration was just another example of the incredible care they give.”
It truly was a day full of love, family, and connection.
The day was captured beautifully by Leon Gabriel, a family friend and photographer, who went above and beyond to ensure the family had lasting memories.