Mary Morton, a 99-year-old retired assistant principal in the Bronx, N.Y., had a dream – to live long enough to witness her granddaughter, Melanie Renee White, walk down the aisle with her longtime boyfriend, Andrew R. Trotter. And on Feb. 22, that dream became a reality as Ms. Morton led the ceremonial celebration at Secret Gardens Miami, an event space in Homestead, Fla.
The couple’s journey to marriage was filled with twists and turns. They first met in 2012 when Ms. White worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in Philadelphia and Mr. Trotter visited the store looking for jeans. Their relationship blossomed over the years, despite a brief breakup in 2018. But their love endured, and they welcomed two daughters into the world.
Mr. Trotter decided to propose in 2023, and after a series of unexpected events, he popped the question at an Adele concert in Las Vegas. The couple’s daughters were thrilled to be a part of the proposal and eagerly awaited their parents’ wedding.
The wedding itself was a grand affair, with nearly 150 guests in attendance. The couple’s daughters played a special role as flower girls, adding to the joyous atmosphere. The event featured unique touches like a custom newspaper for guests and a lion for photo opportunities.
After almost a dozen years together, with two daughters by their side, Melanie and Drew viewed marriage as an important step in solidifying their family. The unity and love shared by the couple were evident throughout the celebration, making it a truly special day for all involved.
As Ms. Morton aptly put it during the ceremony, marriage is a bond guided by the spirit of God, and for Melanie and Drew, it was a symbol of their commitment to each other and their family.
