On a crisp September afternoon in Montana, at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, a wedding unfolded that brought tears to nearly every eye. It wasn’t just the stunning mountain backdrop or the heartfelt vows that moved the guests.
It was the sight of 98-year-old Frances, the bride’s beloved grandmother, making her way down the aisle as the flower girl.
Frances, elegantly dressed and steadying herself with her walker, scattered soft white rose petals with a beaming smile. Her granddaughter, Katie Lopus, had dreamed of this moment for years.
To Katie, the role of a flower girl was more than a quaint tradition; it symbolised love, joy, and a foundation of support. “She has set the stage for love and growth in my life,” Katie explained, “just as she did on this day.”
The bond between Katie, 33, and Frances is one that spans decades. “Grammy,” as Katie affectionately calls her, has been her confidante and mentor since she was a little girl. As Katie grew into a young woman, Frances was navigating her own new chapter, adapting to life without her late husband.
Their shared experiences formed a friendship that transcends generations. “We went through girlhood together in our own way,” Katie said. “Her journey through womanhood has shaped mine.”
The journey to the wedding wasn’t without challenges. Frances travelled from her home in Florida to Montana, a considerable feat for someone nearing her 99th birthday. But, as always, she faced it with determination and grace.
Earlier in the year, when Katie asked her to be the flower girl with a box of rose petals and a heartfelt note, Frances’s reaction was as joyous as it was immediate. “Are you kidding? Oh, that’s cute! I’d be happy to be your flower girl,” she had exclaimed, laughing.
Frances didn’t stop at just saying yes. She threw an engagement party for Katie and her fiancé, Jon “J.C.” Ball, inviting her friends, many of whom are also in their 90s. The celebration was lively, a testament to Frances’s unyielding spirit and love for life.
“She’s lived through nearly a century of highs and lows but never lets the dark moments overshadow the bright,” Katie shared. “She’s a shining light.”
On the wedding day, Frances’s presence as the flower girl wasn’t just a sentimental touch; it was a moment of pure joy for everyone in attendance. Wedding guests remarked on her radiant smile and the palpable pride she exuded. After the ceremony, Frances confided that being part of the wedding made her feel like she was “in seventh heaven.”
For Katie, her grandmother’s involvement was the culmination of a lifelong relationship built on shared wisdom and mutual respect. “She’s taught me the importance of family, friendships, and independence,” Katie said. “What’s so special as women is that we’re all just girls at heart, figuring out life for the first time.”
Frances, with her unwavering positivity, has been an anchor in Katie’s life, offering guidance and laughter through every stage. As she carefully laid down petals on that special day, she wasn’t just paving the way for Katie’s journey into marriage; she was celebrating a lifetime of love, resilience, and connection that they shared.
For a few fleeting moments, time seemed to stand still. As Frances reached the end of the aisle and took her place among the smiling faces, the message was clear: love, in all its forms, is timeless.
