WENATCHEE — Judith Gonzalez originally wanted a simple, no-frills wedding at the Chelan County courthouse.

She had to change locations, though, when some special friends — all wheelchair-bound — said they wanted to attend.

The friends are all residents of the Seniors Delight adult family home in Sunnyslope, where Gonzalez is a much-loved caregiver.

Seniors Delight owner Shuana Larsen heard about the problem about a week ago.

“Therese said she wanted to go, then Betty said she wanted to go, then another resident said she wanted to attend,” Larsen said. “I have a wheelchair van, but I couldn’t haul everyone there.”

That’s why she offered the home as the place for Gonzalez to marry José Gaspar on Saturday.

“This way all the ladies get to participate,” Larsen said.

The wedding was held in the living room at the home. Of the 25 people in attendance, about six were residents. A few were in their Sunday best.

“I’m very fond of Judith and José,” said Therese Hewitt, a 48-year-old with multiple sclerosis who has lived at the home for almost two years. “She makes me laugh.”

“Judith is a sweetheart,” said Betty Hembree, an 86-year-old who has lived at the home for about a year and a half.

Karen Norlin echoed that statement. Norlin got to know Gonzalez when her mother, who died in August, was a resident. “She’s just patient and loving,” Norlin said.

Gonzalez and Gaspar, who does landscape work for C&O Nursery, were nervous before the ceremony but Gonzalez was comforted by the familiar surroundings. “I love the ladies and they’re going to be with me,” she said.

Two friends sang as Gonzalez walked into the room to meet her groom. Chelan County District Court Judge Nancy Harmon officiated at the ceremony, with Gonzalez’s uncle, Miguel Garcia, translating for Gaspar, who speaks only Spanish. The couple giggled every so often, trying to shake off bad cases of nerves. And, on cue, Gaspar kissed his bride.

Later, at the dining room table, the newlyweds munched on lemon wedding cake. The bride commented that the event was “way better” than a courthouse wedding. She noted that the residents all seemed to be having a nice time.

In the living room, Hembree smiled broadly and said. “This was very, very nice. I enjoyed all the people coming and everything. We don’t very often have this much excitement. This was very special.”

Dee Riggs: 664-7147

deeriggs@wenatcheeworld.com