Rejected Bride Turns Wedding Into Party For Elderly

Six days before Halloween, Chicagoland bride-to-be Teanne Harris found herself in a nightmare situation, The New York Daily News reported. She had planned to spend Saturday exchanging vows with her fiance, Matt Harker. Instead, he got cold feet and she found herself with all the fixings for a perfect party but no reason to celebrate.

What's a bummed-out bride to do? Invite the residents of the retirement home across the street from the wedding venue to a Halloween-themed bash, of course.

"She came in one day and said she wanted to make a donation," said Mary Eichenfeld, Resident Service Director at Asbury Court Retirement Community. "I don't think she knew anybody here, and we don't get offers like that. So we were thrilled and so were our residents. It came out of the blue." By all account, the bash was a blast. The wedding DJ played oldies. The tables were decked out with candy jars and feathered masquerade masks. The banquet hall served up a senior-friendly meal. And the guests dressed up as everything from Dracula to Raggedy Ann. As for the bridal bouquet, Harris had it placed in the chapel of the old folks' home.

Residents shared their gratitude with CBS News.

"God bless her. She'll find someone else. I did," said Asbury Court Resident Karen Hamelberg. When resident Ana Rojas was asked what her message would be for the bride she said, "Oh my God, yes! This world, it looks miserable, but there is good people in it."

When the New York Daily News attempted to reach the bride for comment, it was told that she was en-route to her honeymoon destination, Hawaii.

Get HuffPost Impact On Facebook and Twitter!

Comments

[Schmice]

She is a mensch.

[Rosanneofpgh]

Kudos to Teanne for turning a heartbreaking situation into one of happiness and sharing with others. She is an terrific human being and deserves a husband who matches her in heart, courage and kindness.

I hope she is being treated like the queen she is by the hotel staff where she is having her honeymoon for one! She's probably having a better time alone than with that jack@ss! I wonder if the fool realizes what a treasure he passed up? She will be a wonderful wife for some lucky man who will, hopefully, deserve her.

[janeycat]

What a blessing for all the residents at the nursing home. The bride still had her party with people that were more gratefull than the skum-bag of a groom. what a good deed she did for them..... didn't say wether all the guests came to the party.... but it does not matter ..... she had her party.

[cheeriogirl]

What a neat lady, an incredible inspiration, and a great reminder to us all to keep on making that proverbial lemonade. Thanks Teanne!

[alisonv]

What a great woman! Made a lot of people happy and went on her own honeymoon anyway! I hope she heals and finds someone who is her real match.

[fcsakes]

Good luck to you gal, you are so lucky you found out before making a big mistake. Now the person who is really right for you will step in....you are wonderful!

[shutterbabe]

May Teanne find a mate with warm feet and a heart as big as hers.

[brushfinch]

You have a good heart and a good brain!!! I take my hat off to you!!!

[jukesgrrl]

Co-sign.

[Harpseal60]

A great example of making lemonade out of lemons! Way to go Teanna!

[Classof89]

Wonderful story.

[maidenofdforest]

Atta Girl! You are courageous and kind. Be happy now....

[Proud FL Dem]

What a way to make lemonade.

[Olalaberry]

I love this line in the story:
When resident Ana Rojas was asked what her message would be for the bride she said,

"Oh my God, yes! This world, it looks miserable, but there is good people in it."

Well said, Ana. She will find a good man!

[mirandawilde]

What a woman! I feel very inspired by this story.

[femchauvinist74]

I hope she meets someone in Hawaii.