A Valentine's Day commitment

For Fleur Pepperell, Duty Manager at Orion Point Village, work isn’t just a job – it’s like family. So, when she and her long-distance fiancé, Jeff, decided to get married, there was only one place that felt right: in front of the residents who had become such a huge part of her life.

What started as a joke for Valentine’s Day Happy hour – “wouldn’t it be funny if you got married here?” – quickly became a reality. “The residents ran with the idea,” Fleur laughed. “Before I knew it, there was a wedding committee, an aisle being planned, and even a Lego ring box being made.”

Fleur and Jeff, met in 2018 while travelling in Europe, but were separated by long distance following pandemic restrictions. Having already been engaged but with no date locked in, they thought, what better time than Valentine’s Day?

The village team and resident community rallied around Fleur, ensuring everything was planned to perfection. Fleur got ready in resident Jill’s apartment, while another resident, Gary, proudly walked her down the aisle. Choosing bridesmaids was too difficult. “I couldn’t pick just a couple,” Fleur said, “so I decided not to have any.”

The day was filled with personal touches. Resident Graham read a humorous speech, while the village team handled the post-ceremony barbecue – complete with Bunnings sausages at Jeff’s special request. “He became obsessed with them last time he visited,” Fleur joked.

From decorations to a handmade wedding cake, the residents ensured the wedding was unforgettable. “It was untraditional but perfect,” Fleur said. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”