Bride Allison Bittner and groom James Danser share a kiss during their wedding ceremony held at Exton Senior Living on May 4. The couple wed at Exton so that James’ mother, resident Mary Ann Hershey, could attend.
Community Transformed so Resident Could Attend Son’s Special Day
EXTON, Pa. – Exton Senior Living might not be considered a traditional site to hold a wedding ceremony, but the team embraced the role of host in order to make the day special for resident Mary Ann Hershey.
“Her son had asked a month before the wedding if they could have the wedding here,” said Liane Bernstiel, Administrative Services Director at Exton Senior Living. “They could not have cared if they had the wedding in the parking lot as long as Mary Ann could attend.”
Hershey, 75, has been a resident at the senior living community since July 2023. Her son James Danser and his bride-to-be Allison Bittner wanted to make sure Mary Ann would be a part of their special day.
“Having this momentous day here in our community, but most importantly, in Mary Ann’s home, was an honor and a special moment we will never forget,” said Lauren Mancari, LifeStages Director at Exton Senior Living. “We know how much this meant to not only the newlyweds, but their mother, and that is what makes our job here so great.
“We get to share special memories and milestones with our residents and their loved-ones, which speaks volumes,” Mancari said. “It says we are doing something right.”
James and Allison didn’t ask the senior living community to take on any role other than host. But the team at Exton Senior Living had other ideas. Bernstiel, Mancari, LifeStories Director Ana Dasilva and Resident Wellness Director Leslie Simon got into full wedding mode ahead of the May 4 event.
“It was fantastic,” said Casey Counseller, Executive Operations Officer at Exton Senior Living. “It was so nice that the family was willing to consider having the wedding here. Liane, Leslie, Lauren and Ana were elated that we were able to take it on. All four of them. … It was like watching the excitement of a bunch of 20-year-olds preparing for a wedding.”
The Exton team members took Hershey shopping for a dress to wear to the wedding. The LifeStories team also styled Mary Ann’s hair and applied her makeup on the big day.
“We hear the word ‘wedding,’ and we were like, ‘Oh my, we want to do the whole thing,’” Bernstiel said. “The family didn’t ask for anything or expect much, but we asked what their colors were — white and blue. We took Mary Ann on a shopping spree a few days before the wedding and bought her a beautiful blue dress, jewelry and sparkling shoes.
“We went to the flower shop and Mary Ann was so happy to be outside,” Bernstiel continued. “She loved the children we saw while shopping. She picked out her own jewelry. The family was surprised that we got Mary Ann to wear a dress.”
The Exton Senior Living team enthusiastically got to work and created a beautiful altar in its Life Bridges room and decorated for the ceremony, including “twinkle” lights, flowers, favors, food and the bride and groom’s initials.
An officiant chosen by the couple conducted the ceremony. Approximately 15 people attended the wedding. A reception was held at another site. The couple had waited four years to get married because the COVID-19 pandemic occurred soon after their engagement.
“Everything looks so pretty,” was Mary Ann Hershey’s initial reaction to the wedding setting. “It always has been my dream to one day see my son and his bride marry.”
The wedding ceremony will hold a special place in the hearts of the entire Exton Senior Living team.
“Building real relationships and caring and loving our residents and their families is what is most important,” Mancari said. “I don’t know many people about to be married who would say, ‘Do what you want. We trust that you and your staff will make it beautiful!’ We were beyond honored to do this for Mary Ann and her family, and fill the hearts of our staff as well.”
For more information, contact Lauren Mancari, LifeStages Director, Exton Senior Living, at lmancari@integracare.com or call 610.594.0200.