Wedding bells chime at Wasilla Senior Center

WASILLA — “It’s never too late to fall in love,” declared Bonnie Jennings, 79, as she exchanged wedding vows with Marvin Van Buskirk, 84, July 18 at the Wasilla Senior Center Friday where both are residents.

The pair met when Marvin moved into Knik Manor in the apartment adjoining Bonnie’s in February 2013. They saw each other daily and soon discovered mutual interests — connections to Chitina, gardening, sports.

“We’ve spent every moment together since we met,” Bonnie said.

Their interests include gardening and wheelchair excursions to visit gardens. Bonnie’s green thumb produces magnificent crimson lilies in her tiny door-side plot. They also discovered a shared interest in sports and enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics together.

It was not long before their friendship grew into love, their engagement was announced, and the wedding date chosen.

Surrounded by family and friends and with WASI residents Mary Anderson as maid of honor and David Holmes as best man, they spoke their vows before Steve Schwartz, Bonnie’s son-in-law in the senior centers festively decorated dining hall.

Members of the wedding party included flower bearer, Frances Sutie; soloist, Kelly Holmberg; and ring bearer Jesse, Bonnie’s grandson.

Marvin’s daughters Kristeen Bear and Arlene Van Buskirk gave the prayer blessing the marriage. Bonnie’s great granddaughters, Jocelyn, Keza, and McKenna carried the baskets of favors for the guests.

The Van Buskirks will continue to reside in Knik Manor and enjoy their combined 12 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.