Farmington Retirement Home Gifts Woman Her Grandson's Wedding

Middlewoods of Farmington

FARMINGTON, CT — A resident at a local retirement home was simply unable to travel to her grandson's wedding in Spain.

So the staff at Middlewoods of Farmington did the next best thing — they brought the wedding to her.

For Middlewoods of Farmington resident Kitty LaVista her grandson's wedding day Aug. 5 was an exciting, but bittersweet, time for her.

But thanks to the collaboration and support of family, friends and the team at Middlewoods of Farmington's independent and assisted living community, LaVista didn't miss a thing.

“We brought the wedding to Middlewoods,” said Middlewoods' activities director, Debbie Astrom. “Kitty wanted so much to be part of her grandson’s special day, but a trip to Spain was out of the question. So we all came together to celebrate the bride and groom at Middlewoods instead.”

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Astrom and colleagues worked feverishly to create an unforgettable experience for Kitty and her friends at Middlewoods.

The community arranged a plan to live stream the wedding ceremony from Spain and invite everyone at Middlewoods to be part of the reception.

Meanwhile, wedding décor was ordered, festive attire was selected, flowers and champagne were carefully chosen and a cake was expertly prepared by Middlewoods Executive Director Bianca Reome.

“No wedding is complete without a cake,” said Reome, who is also an accomplished baker and wedding cake designer.

Then, on Aug. 5, the community was abuzz with excitement for the big day.

Middlewoods staff was happy to help Kitty adjust a corsage the bride and groom from Spain had ordered for her and friends and neighbors poured into the community’s activity room to watch the wedding on the big screen.

“It went off without a hitch,” said Astrom. “Well, I guess, one hitch – the bride and groom got hitched. Thankfully everything worked out perfectly. The video footage and transmission from Spain was flawless and everyone had an incredible view.”

To prepare for the live stream event, Astrom coordinated details with family members to make certain the timing was workable.

Kitty’s daughter, Debra Abromaitis, even prepared wedding favors for each resident to receive at the reception.

In her correspondence to the Middlewoods team after the event took place, Abromaitis expressed thanks to the staff for coming in on their day off to create such a unique celebration.

"Middlewoods is not only a terrific place with special people working there, but they went above and beyond to show understanding and kindness to our family. We are forever grateful for everything they did,” Abromaitis said.

Middlewoods staff and residents were thrilled to be included in the celebration.

"Kitty’s grandson and his bride acknowledged and interacted with us during the event,” said Reome. “They were able to wave and say a special hello to Kitty and everyone who was watching felt like they were there, in Spain, sharing in the special moment from the comfort of their home. It was very touching.”

For LaVista, she will never forget the experience. “I will forever remember this unbelievable gesture of kindness,” said LaVista. “Words can't begin to express.”

Middlewoods of Farmington Independent and Assisted Living Community is affiliated with UConn Health and located at 509 Middle Road in Farmington. The senior living community is owned and operated by United Methodist Homes, a not-for-profit, mission-based organization in Shelton.

For more information about senior living at Middlewoods, click on this link.