You are never too old to find your soulmate!
John, 90, and Jan, 85, a senior couple who got married at The Waterford at Thousand Oaks on August 27, 2022, prove that it is never too late for love.
How it all began
John, originally from Weatherford, Texas, and Jan, originally from Muncie, Kansas, met as independent living residents at The Waterford at Thousand Oaks. They were neighbors who happened to stumble into each other’s lives.
“Chris, our front desk attendant, was escorting Jan [who is blind] back to her apartment when they crossed paths up with John in the hallway,” said Cindy Villarreal, Activities Director. “Chris told Jan he wanted her to meet someone. He took her hand and placed it in John’s hand and they introduced themselves to each other. John must have fallen in love with her at that very moment because after that he began to eagerly pursue Jan.”
John made it his mission to be there for Jan and help her whenever and however he could. Friendship quickly blossomed into love between the two.
They love spending time with one another. Sitting on the porch holding hands and talking to other residents is one of their favorite past times. Jan describes John as having, “a great sense of humor and being so very kind.” John says Jan is, “sweet, beautiful and so easy to talk with.”
A firm believer that, “at our age, if you can find love, you shouldn’t just grab onto it with one hand, but hold onto it with both,” John asked Villarreal if they could get married at the community – the place they fell in love.
Before the wedding, John and Jan celebrated with fellow residents at their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The wedding
Family, friends and around 50 residents from The Waterford at Thousand Oaks celebrated Jan and John’s big day.
Jan’s grandson walked her down the aisle, and her great-grandson was the ring bearer. “When they finished exchanging vows, everyone stood up, clapped and cheered them on,” said Villarreal.
Jan’s daughter-in-law took pictures during and after the ceremony.
Later, everyone enjoyed a meal together, followed by wedding cake, of course! John even got to enjoy his own groom’s cake.
After the cake cutting, the rest of the evening was filled with music and dancing, including Jan and John’s first dance together.
As for a honeymoon? “We are definitely going on a honeymoon. We are going to a place called The Waterford and they already reserved a suite for us,” Jan joked, referring to the apartment they share.
Looking to the future, the couple is excited for the upcoming holidays and the memories they will make surrounded by their loved ones.
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