Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

Albert Carruthers escorts his wife, Theodora, from the Mizpah Pentecostal Church following the double wedding on Saturday.

Calvin Francis and his wife Sarah share smiles as they leave their wedding ceremony. - Photos by Byron McDaniel

Walderston, Manchester:

A double wedding at the Mizpah Pentecostal Church in Manchester on Saturday, December 22, defied convention when two sisters and their sweethearts tied the knot.

Scores of well-wishers joined the Elliott clan to witness the nuptials of 64-year-old nurse aid Sarah Elliott to 60-year-old building contractor Calvin Francis, while her sister, 52-year-old Theodora Elliott, a dressmaker, vowed "till death do us part" to 55-year-old schoolteacher Albert Carruthers.

The blushing brides were so radiant as they walked up the aisle with their brother/give away father 70-year-old Leonard Elliott, that they could be mistaken for sweet 16s (the average age of their grandchildren).

"We love and care for each other and we have been together for a long time, so the respectable thing to do is to get married," said the new Mrs. Carruthers with a chuckle.

An 81-year-old witness, when asked what he thought about getting married after middle age, said, "People too funny ya sah, mi wife dead and mi would a married again fi de company."

The officiating marriage officer, Rev. Dr. Lloyd Wilkinson, congratulated the newly-weds and charged them to trust and follow the dictates of God.

Following a reception in the adjoining church hall, the newly-weds drove off into the sunset.