Michele and Tony Barnett exchanged vows on February 10 and celebrated their love in a very special ceremony involving friends, family and staff.

Michele’s parents, Dawn, 90 and Tom, 97 are both residents at Uniting Mingaletta. It was here Tony gallantly arrived to formally ask Tom for Michele’s hand in marriage.

Tom likes Tony – “he’s a good one” - and said yes to the union. And that’s where a very cunning plan began.

When staff heard news of the proposal, and were made aware both Dawn and Tom would not be able to travel to Adelaide for the wedding, they offered to hold the celebration on-site.

It made sense.

“I could not imagine getting married and not having my parents there to be a part of it,” Michele said.

“To be able to share it with mum and dad is something very special.

“It’s my second time, but they really like this one,” Michele quipped about “the love of her life”.

Good things come to those who wait and for Tom, who is also celebrating his 97^th birthday, patience is the key to a lifetime of love.

“You’ve got to be reasonable, keep working – not just in your job but in life, and keep yourself busy. Nothing works by itself,” he said.

Tom was knocked head over heels by Dawn in 1950 after he moved to Australia from Austria. They’ve been together ever since.

“Today has just been really lovely. He (Tony) is genuine and a good worker.”

A Uniting Mingaletta employee who was recently married chipped in and offered her decorations for the intimate reception at the facility while the on-site cafe catered. The facility’s hairdresser provided hair and makeup for both Michele and Dawn, with the couple exchanging vows in the chapel.