We’re smitten! While many brides choose their bridesmaids from high school friends and sorority sisters, one Pennsylvania native looked to her own family tree to round out her wedding party.
Christine Quinn asked her 89-year-old Elizabeth “Nana Betty” Govern, to be a bridesmaid. Whereas Quinn—who married Patrick Quinn on May 2 in Pennsylvania—was sure of her decision, Nana Betty had second thoughts at her granddaughter’s bold choice.
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“She asked me, ‘Why would you want an old lady in your bridal party?'” Quinn told the Huffington Post. “A few times she even said, ‘All of your bridesmaids are young and pretty, why would you want me?'”
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Credit: Sweetwater Portraits
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But Quinn knew Nana Betty was the perfect fit for her bridal party—and would even rock the same frock as her younger counterparts. You heard that right, just because she’;s nearly 90 doesn’t mean she got any special treatment on the fashion front. The bridesmaids wore a flattering strapless, convertible Jenny Yoo gown. Although Nana Betty did add her own flare to the purple garment with smart glasses and a neutral wristwatch.
“Christine’s grandmother, Nana Betty, has such a warm and fun-loving presence. As the other bridesmaids helped her into the dress, she had a huge smile on her face and sparkle in her eye,” Julie Melton of Sweetwater Portraits told Us Weekly. “She clearly was enjoying every minute of being by her granddaughter’;s side.”
Credit: Sweetwater Portraits
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The octogenarian was a general delight the day of the wedding—clearly loving her nontraditional role—beaming for pictures and cracking up the entire wedding party. “While we were taking pictures, she would add her own witticisms, making everyone double over in laughter. Her smile is contagious and she was lovely to be around,” Melton said. “It was obvious why Christine wanted her grandmother to be her bridesmaid.”
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