Bring the wedding to George
Date of news/blog: 30th April 2026When Emma Noake realised she wouldn’t be able to realise the dream of her beloved grandfather George walking her down the aisle, she decided to bring the wedding to him – at Glenburnie Lodge!
Newlyweds Emma and Lester Noake returned to Glenburnie on Saturday 25th April to recreate key moments from their wedding day the previous day, so Emma’s grandfather, George Lacey, who has dementia and lives at the home, could be present for the ceremony and celebration.
The couple were married at a registry office then changed back into wedding attire the following day to share vows, photographs and a family celebration at the care home — creating a lasting memory for George and the wider family.
Glenburnie Lodge team members decorated a private family room and helped stage a heartfelt ceremony with residents and colleagues dressed for the occasion. The celebration included a reaffirmation of vows, a photo moment in the garden and a specially made two-tier wedding cake prepared by the home’s chef.
“Me and my grandparents have always been really close, so the idea being that when I got married my grandfather would be the one walking me down the aisle,” says Emma.
“But as his dementia worsened and he moved to Glenburnie Lodge, it was clear this was not going to happen.
“The family are in most days and when I had my baby Hudson two months ago, they made a big fuss and when I mentioned it would be nice to have a little family celebration in the home, they took it to a whole different level and made it into something much bigger.
“It’s such a nice thought that they think so highly of my grandad and our family and what they did on the day was just phenomenal.”
On the day, George was supported by the care team and was able to walk with Emma for part of the ceremony — something the family said felt especially meaningful.
Emma added: “For my family, it will forever be such a special memory and we are so grateful to everyone at the home.”
This was echoed by Emma mum, Caroline Newman, who said: “We cannot put into words how amazing it was; it was truly incredible.
“A wedding is always an emotional time anyway but to have the wedding on Friday with Dad, our patriarch, not with us meant there was big hole missing.
“For the home to have facilitated that in such a spectacular way, and for Dad to be part of that and be with my mum Christine, was just beyond precious.
“The memories that we have from this will just be etched on our hearts forever – it was phenomenal.”
Emma Watson, Glenburnie Lodge Home Director, said: “George was one of the first residents to move in when the home opened in 2024 so needless to say, he is much-loved and very popular.
“When we heard about the wedding, we absolutely wanted to make it an occasion to remember and we are delighted that Emma got share this precious moment with George and the rest of the family on this very special day.”