Senior Couple Met at the YMCA, Then Get Married in the YMCA Pool

What happens when two seniors fall in love at the Y? Why, they get married in the pool, of course. At least, that was the case for 82-year-old Edward LaRue and 78-year-old Marlene Parsons.

Love at First Splash

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The couple met at their local YMCA in Maryville, Missouri, during a water aerobics class in December 2023. Their first flirtation? Splashing.

“I liked him,” Marlene recalled. "We splashed each other in the pool.”

Marlene was a little hesitant to get married, as they both lost a spouse six years earlier. 

After First They Weren’t Sure About Getting Married

“We really didn’t want to get married because we had both lost someone,” Marlene said. 

After a year of waiting for an answer, Marlene finally said yes to Edward. Their swimming instructor was the one who suggested they get married in the pool.  

"Hey, you guys met in the pool, you should get married in the pool. And I can marry you because I have my minister's license. I didn’t think they would take me seriously,” she said.

Seniors Marry in a Pool

But they did and took the plunge. Edward wore a tuxedo-inspired swimsuit, and Marlene wore white and a small veil. Some of their guests attended the ceremony in the pool, too. 

"What a beautiful day for a wedding in our pool!" the YMCA wrote on Facebook.

"Congratulations to our members Ed and Marlene [who] were married in our pool today surrounded by family and friends. Our very own Alie Morgan even officiated the ceremony! We wish you years of love and happiness!"

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The aquatic wedding also included a bouquet dance, a first dance (in the pool, naturally), and a cake. It all went swimmingly. After they kissed, they splashed each other, sealing the deal. 

What a sweet water wedding! It’s a perfect continuation of their love story.

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

WATCH: Senior Couple Met at the YMCA, Then Get Married in the YMCA Pool

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/KMOV St. Louis

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.