'Act Of Kindness': Montclair Hospital Holds Wedding For Patient

MONTCLAIR, NJ — In some ways, Michael Aron and Linda Ippolito’s wedding was like many other such happy occasions in Montclair: sparkling cider, delectable desserts and heartfelt toasts. But for Aron and Ippolito, the experience was a bit different – it took place in a hospital.

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair recently held a heartwarming wedding ceremony for Ippolito and Aron, who was admitted to the hospital to be treated for health complications.

While under the care of the hospital's Med-Surg team, Aron, 77, bonded with a staff nurse, James Woods. During one of their conversations, Aron mentioned that he was supposed to marry Ippolito – his partner of 25 years – on Aug. 5.

Sadly, his hospitalization forced the couple to cancel the ceremony and celebration at the very last minute, leaving them deeply disappointed.

Touched by the story, Woods rallied some of his peers at the hospital to organize a ceremony for the couple in the facility's chapel. When the day of the ceremony came, Aron and Ippolito found a room filled with flowers and flameless candles, as well as an eager crowd of witnesses and well-wishers. The hospital's leadership team also contributed to the occasion by forming a touching rose bridge, eagerly awaiting the newlyweds as they exited the chapel.

After the ceremony, the hospital arranged a reception, which put the icing on the cake for a memorable and unique wedding.

“This act of kindness is above and beyond what anyone could imagine,” a grateful Ippolito said. “This whole wedding event has taken me away.”

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