Brick Nursing Home Transforms To Chapel For Couple's Wedding

BRICK, NJ — Edgar Smith came to Willow Springs Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Brick for help with rehabilitiation. But he never imagined the care he'd receive would include a wedding ceremony.

The nursing facility in Brick was transformed to a wedding chapel recently so Smith and his longtime sweetheart, Ronnie Freeman, could tie the knot.

The pair met 17 years ago, when Freeman bought a condominium in Ocean Grove from Smith, a news release from Willow Springs said. The closing process was smooth and over the next several years, the two periodically ran into each other in the small beach town.

They became friends after Smith’s first wife passed, riding bicycles around Ocean Grove and spending afternoons talking on his front porch.

"We fell in love on that porch," Freeman said. "During our long conversations, we discovered we had similar upbringings and many shared values. Everything about us just clicked and was easy."

Smith is a subacute rehabilitation patient at Willow Springs. The couple has been through some ups and downs recently with their health, which has only made their bond stronger, Freeman said. That prompted Freeman to ask Smith to marry her, she said.

Marla Morris, Freeman's niece and an ordained minister, officiated the ceremony for the couple, who wore matching plaid tops and were surrounded by family and staff members. Sherill Mimes, Willow Springs' concierge, spearheaded the planning with assistance from Jennie Campbell, the facility's activities director. Chef Ted Davies created an elegant wedding cake and light fare for the reception.

As soon as Smith recuperates and returns to their nearby home, the couple’s honeymoon plans include more relaxing afternoons together on their porch, the couple said.

"It’s not every day that we have the honor of hosting a wedding, and our staff just reveled in the opportunity to do so," said Kathy Kimm, director of physician and hospital relations at Willow Springs. "We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds; they are a perfect match! We wish them health and much happiness together."

Willow Springs Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, at 1049 Burnt Tavern Road, provides post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care.

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