Couple Marries in Alabama ER After Health Scare

An elderly couple’s wedding plans were unexpectedly rerouted to an emergency room in Huntsville, Alabama, where hospital staff orchestrated a ceremony to celebrate their union. John Como, 79, and his fiancée Diane were en route to obtain their marriage license on September 5 when John received concerning news from his doctor regarding his bloodwork, prompting an immediate visit to Huntsville Hospital.

Upon learning that John's health issue had disrupted their anticipated wedding, nurse practitioner Beth Gates took initiative to find a notary within the hospital. "They were such a sweet couple, it was the least I could do," Gates stated.

Shoyna Alexander, a notary from the hospital’s security office, readily assisted, joining the couple and staff in examination room C-29. There, John, dressed in a hospital gown, and Diane, in a white pantsuit, exchanged vows and signed their marriage certificate. An ER patient, Samantha Ring, created yellow paper rings for the occasion, and the couple exchanged them as a symbol of their commitment. John then kissed his bride, an act the hospital described as bringing "smiles back to what had been a scary and unusual day."

The celebration continued with the assistance of other hospital staff. Licensed nurse Keria Lightfoot provided flowers, cupcakes, and drinks, while ER attendant Nolan Bearden created a "Just Married" sign. "It just warmed our hearts that they would care enough to do that," John commented. "We were in this terrible situation of having to go to the emergency department, but they made it a golden moment. People need to know that the staff at Huntsville Hospital has a heart."

John, a retired Army colonel, was admitted to the oncology unit but was released on September 23. He had begun dating Diane, a longtime acquaintance, about a year prior, following the death of his wife of over 40 years.