Celebrating love at Marsden Park Care Community

If you needed proof The Beatles were onto something when they sang “All you need is love”, you’d have found it at Marsden Park Care Community on Valentine’s Day.

On a beautiful day in Sydney’s west, residents Lydia and Tom exchanged rings in a beautiful commitment ceremony, celebrating with fellow residents, families, and team.

Lydia and Tom were drawn together by a shared spirit of living life to the full. Hailing from Yorkshire and Wales respectively, Lydia and Tom regularly found themselves together at social events and connected over their sense of humour. Both love engaging in Care Community life, with Tom helping to keep Marsden Park’s gardens green and Lydia running the ladies’ group and bingo. Over time, their friendship blossomed into love and their commitment ceremony became a real Care Community affair.

A sense of anticipation

Having something to look forward to is essential for our wellbeing, and it’s especially important as we age.

“This was a celebration for everyone,” says wellbeing manager Valli. “Valentine’s Day can be a lonely day, especially for people who have lost loved ones, so we wanted to create a really special day that all our residents could be excited about.”

And like all great occasions, no detail was spared.

All our residents received hand-written invitations to the traditional English garden ceremony, helping to build excitement. Our salon was a hive of activity, with residents preparing for the big day and general manager Jhay took Lydia on a special outing to get her nails done.

On the day, Lydia was given away by team member Kenny, with whom Lydia shares a special bond. As well as sharing the name of her first husband, Kenny’s own family, including his two-year old son regularly visit Lydia – so it was fitting Kenny’s son took on the important role of pageboy.

General manager Jhay led the ceremony as celebrant, while Tom’s friend and team member Lagaya supported him as ‘groomsmaid’ and maintenance officer Lucris made a perfect groomsman. Team members Muna and Lovely stood proud as bridesmaids. To complete the party, resident George gave a rousing and humorous best man’s speech and Mars the dog was there to offer a helping paw!

Toasting a beautiful relationship

Cheered on by family and friends, the reception following the ceremony was full of life and laughter, with bubbles blown, heart-shaped sunglasses, high tea, champagne, and a cake made with love by the Marsden Park team. After a truly special day, Lydia and Tom enjoyed a honeymoon at Penrith with a weekend of dinner, shopping and simply enjoying each other’s company.

“It was absolutely fantastic, a wonderful day,” said Lydia, before posing an excellent question. “How do we top it for Valentine’s Day in 2026?”

“I enjoyed the honeymoon,” said Tom, cheekily. “No, it was fantastic, the whole day. My family couldn’t believe how much work you went to for us. But then, we’re worth it!”

And this truly was a day for all to enjoy, with special memories for all who attended.

“Such a joyful day!” said best man George. “We laughed, we danced, and we celebrated love."

"A wedding on Valentine’s Day - what could be more romantic?” said resident Norma. “We loved every moment!"