St Vincent’s residents renew vows and invite neighbours to a right royal knees up

Home news

May 15, 2018

St Vincent’s is opening its doors to the local community for a special celebration to mark the upcoming royal wedding, and to celebrate two residents’ renewing their wedding vows. 

On Saturday 19th May, from 2.30pm-5pm, St Vincent’s House is inviting local people for a ‘right royal knees up’ and to raise a glass to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 

The home will be adorned with union jack bunting and residents will have their British flags at the ready for a live screening of the wedding. The celebration will be particularly special for married residents, Luigi and Maria Carmine, who will be renewing their wedding vows after 35 happy years of marriage. 

Luigi and Maria, aged 89 and 85, married in St Ann’s Church in London, on the 8th November 1982, after meeting at a hotel in Marylebone, London, where Maria worked as a housekeeper and Luigi as a chef.

Seasoned globetrotters, Luigi and Maria travelled the world in their youth, visiting Switzerland, France, Germany and Spain, where Maria was born. When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, Luigi said: “Getting on with each other and being fair to each other.”

Ian D Chandler, home manager at St Vincent’s House, said: “We were all so excited when we heard there was to be another royal wedding, and knew we had to do something to celebrate! 

“Luigi and Maria are such a lovely couple – we are honoured to be hosting the renewal of their wedding vows. Here at St Vincent’s House, we understand the importance of special family occasions, which can enhance residents’ wellbeing, happiness, and quality of life. We are really looking forward to celebrating the marriage of Luigi and Maria – as well raising a glass to the royal couple!

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the people of Hammersmith to the home for what promises to be a wonderful day of celebrations.”