The Manor House Knaresborough hosts special wedding celebration

The Manor House care home in Knaresborough turned into a wonderful wedding venue for a day for a blessing ceremony for two colleagues at the home. 

Residents and colleagues celebrated a blessing of the marriage of Joanne Meredith, Activities Coordinator, and Jim Doherty, Maintenance Person. 

The blessing was attended by everyone at the home and several other special guests. Everyone got a chance to dress up and cheer on Joanne and Jim, some of the residents even served as Joanne’s bridesmaids. One resident who got to be Joanne’s bridesmaid was Sheila. Sheila had never been a bridesmaid before and so Joanne and Jim asked her if she would do them the honour on the day.

Sheila said:

It was so much fun celebrating Joanne and Jim’s wedding! They’re such a lovely couple and they make living here even more special. Congratulations to them both, and here’s to many more happy years!

After the ceremony all the guests got a chance to enjoy some wedding treats including cake and champagne, as well as a wedding reception buffet.

Joanne and Jim met nine years ago at a Christmas party. They both joined the team at The Manor House Knaresborough a year later and their colleagues and residents have been behind them every step of the way. While the two were officially married earlier this year, the couple were delighted at the chance to have a blessing ceremony at the home and to share their joy with everyone.

Joanne said:

I’ll never forget when I first met Jim. It’s been a wonderful journey ever since that moment! I’m so grateful to all my colleagues and our lovely residents who’ve been sharing in all our excitement and happiness! We’re so happy we’ve gotten to have a blessing with everyone.

I’ve worked at The Manor House for eight years now and working in care makes you feel like you are part of a whole other family, both with colleagues and our lovely residents! It feels very fitting to share our wedding day with everyone.

Klara Spatenkova, Manager at The Manor House said:

It’s so lovely to see Joanne and Jim get married and we’re all so happy we can celebrate them too! The blessing was a lovely idea, and it was really fun for all our residents to take part in. 

We pride ourselves in creating activities for residents that keep them engaged and enhance their wellbeing. Events like this really boost residents’ spirits while also enhancing the sense of community we have here.

Joanne’s colleague, Katie Pickering, who is also an activities coordinator, said:

I have worked closely with Joanne doing activities for several years now and we have built up such a wonderful friendship. Helping plan this ceremony with her and Jim and being a bridesmaid is such an honour. And our residents have been so happy to share this whole experience with them.

Click here to find out more information about The Manor House Knaresborough.