Debra and Eric met at a local restaurant where a small group of neighbors used to get together daily to have a drink and dinner together. Sometimes I would see them at the bar and sometimes sitting around a table playing cards or speaking poetry. All of them in their 70’s, retired and enjoying their time and hobbies. It was a pleasure to watch.

Eric had lost his wife a few years earlier. His friendship with Debra grew deeper. They live a block away on the upper west side of Manhattan. They walked and talked, Debra wrote her poems and painted with watercolors and Eric wrote short stories. They fell in love. 

As Deb says, “I really believed that I would never find my true love and every time I think about Eric – and always when I’m with him – I marvel at how lucky I am.  I really am a testament to the “never give up” adage!”

I was so honored to dress Debra for her wedding. She said she wanted something colorful and happy. She was not planning to be the bride in a white dress. She also asked all her guests to dress colorful. 

The ceremony and party were at Eric’s apartment. It was intimate and warm. The house was full of people that were extremely happy for both of them.

Who said 72 is too late to marry your true love?

Debra is wearing the Sunburst Cocoon Dress (ceremony) and the Hibiscus Cocoon Dress (cake cutting).

Photo credit: Flynn Larson

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