“It is wonderful to find someone to love and be loved at any age”

Story By Erin Coggins | Photos By Cristie Clark | Living 50 Plus

One is never too old to find true love, and in that discovery welcome a little help from all the cupids that love love, too.

When 86-year-old Shirley Martin, a resident of Presbyterian Apartments, decided to marry for the first time last month, she wanted her first wedding to be perfect. Afterall, her groom, Shelby Brewer with his caring nature and great sense of humor was perfect.

Martin requested the use of the complex’s living room for she and her fiance’ Shelby Brewer to say their vows, but apartment manager Dianne Evans knew she had to do more. It was true love after all.

“In as much as this was Ms. Martin’s first wedding, I felt it would be nice to have a wedding that she could be proud of and one to share with her friends,” Evans said. “I wanted her occasion to be as memorable as one’s dream of a wedding would be.”

Evans, keeping the arrangements a secret from the bride and groom, immediately began searching for flowers and materials to prepare a backdrop for the ceremony as well as involving the staff to set up reception.

The couple exchanged their vows before a decorated arch with minister Eddie Lones performing the ceremony. A professional photographer was brought in to capture the moment. Friends, many of whom are residents of the apartments, enjoyed celebrating the couple’s momentous occasion.

“I could not believe that someone would do all the many things that she did to make our wedding so special,” Martin said. “We really appreciate all that she did to make this day special.”

After retiring from banking after 36 years, Martin relocated to Huntsville from Montgomery in 1994 and has lived at Presbyterian for 10 years. Brewer, a retired small business owner, grew up in Madison County and has been a resident of the apartments for six years.

Martin and Brewer met at one of the events held at the apartment complex and had known each other for five years before beginning to date. It only took a couple of months of dating before the couple decided to make it official and get married.

“My advice to people our age is to not be afraid to act on your feelings at this age,” Martin said. “It is wonderful to find someone to love and be loved at any age.”