By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
A blushing Zolena McLellan leaned in for the first kiss from her new husband Durward Peevy Wednesday morning. The couple were pronuounced husband and wife during a ceremony held at the East Brewton S.A.I.L. Center where they met and love blossomed.
The couple, now both in their 80s, met just over three months ago while attending programs and having lunch at the S.A.I.L. center. The whirlwind romance culminated in a wedding with more than 75 friends and family members attending the ceremony.
Peevy beamed as he spoke of their courtship and his proposal of marriage.
Although Zolena was smitten with Durward, she said she had to give the idea a lot of thought before giving him her answer.
Although it took Zolena nearly four weeks to consider her position on marriage, her answer was certainly one Durward hoped to get.
The first person the couple contacted after they agreed to marry was Gatewood.
The couple and Gatewood settled on Dec. 19, and the planners went into action.
Although there have been other couples who have met at the center and became sweethearts, this is the first wedding held at the center.
Zolena's daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and John Schad of Pensacola, Fla., attended the Wednesday ceremony. The bride also has three sons who were unable to attend the ceremony.
The joy of the marriage was shared by John Schad who has hope for the future of the newly married couple.
The groom, who has no children, was excited about becoming a part of the family as well.
Three of Durward's brothers and their wives were on hand for the festive nuptials.
Other family members attending the ceremony were Lucille Peevy, Lyman and Francis Peevy and Jack and Kathleen Peevy.
The couple went through all the traditional customs of a wedding from the lighting of a unity candle, feeding each other wedding cake and making the traditional toasts to the throwing of the garter and wedding bouquet.
The couple gave family members a quick hug and a kiss before leaving the center through a canopy of bubbles.
As the bride and groom left the building, those gathered for the event waved.