97-Year-Old California Groom Kisses His Glowing Bride in Elegant Dress at Their Beautiful Wedding

Love is not just for young people. It’s for older people too. That’s what one 97-year-old groom from California believed. He tied the knot with a beautiful woman, and their wedding was proof you could fall in love at any age.

Fairytale love stories often feature young people meeting for the first time and experiencing a world-shattering connection. However, there are also simpler yet equally significant tales of romance and passion.

Meet Carl Hammer and Reva Truitt. Both are in their nineties but still live life to the fullest. Both widowed, they lost their respective partners after more than seven decades together. Their chances of starting a new relationship might have seemed slim, but fate had big plans for them.

Carl Hammer and Reva Truitt | Source: youtube.com/KCRA News

Their Love Is Like a Bonfire

Hammer, 97, and Truitt, 95, lived at The Village at Heritage Park Senior Living Community in California and met during one of their happy hour sessions.

They discovered they lived two doors apart and soon developed feelings for each other. The North Natomas couple was stunned to experience butterflies again but welcomed the new adventure with open arms.

They dated for five months, and Hammer was delighted when his girlfriend agreed to marry him. He was smitten and said, “It happens when two sparks fire. You got a bonfire, and that’s what we’ve got.”

Watching the duo cut their cake, laugh, and have fun together was special. The lovebirds deserved every minute of it, and they couldn’t wait to spend the rest of their days together as husband and wife.

Carl Hammer and Reva Truitt on their wedding day | Source: youtube.com/CBS Sacramento

The Beautiful Wedding Day

The big day took place on June 18, 2022, and the pair shared a romantic kiss during the ceremony. While their vows are not legally binding, the special moment was a way for Hammer and Truitt to tell the world about their love.

They had a grand event with live music, cake, and cheer. The bride wore a gorgeous blue dress and pearls, while her spouse donned a dark suit. They looked perfect together and enjoyed it when their guests clapped for them.

Carl Hammer and Reva Truitt sharing a kiss on their wedding day | Source: youtube.com/CBS Sacramento

They Were Giddy and Happy like Kids

The sweet couple drove around together on a decorated trike and waved happily at onlookers. The moment was precious to all the witnesses, and one attendee shared:

“We’ve been trying to help them make their dream come true. They’re very happy so we’re happy for them.”

Someone else added, “It’s just like young love. The first time you fall in love. All giddy and happy like kids.”

Carl Hammer and Reva Truitt riding a decorated trike | Source: youtube.com/CBS Sacramento

It’s Never Too Late to Find Love

The message the couple hoped to share with everyone was simple: “It’s never too late to fall in love.” Their joy and positivity were infectious and footage from their wedding day melted hearts worldwide.

Watching the duo cut their cake, laugh, and have fun together was special. The lovebirds deserved every minute of it, and they couldn’t wait to spend the rest of their days together as husband and wife.

They have a large extended family on both sides. Reva’s three kids gave her nine grandkids and 16 great-grandbabies. Hammer also had three kids who gave him seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandkids—they were truly blessed!

Making Memories Together Forever

The happy groom had big plans to teach his bride one of his impressive skills. Hammer spent his time making jams and won many competitions at the California State Fair.

Hammer sells more than 1,500 jars of jams annually, and the money goes to a nonprofit organization called Rebuilding Together.

The blue-ribbon winning confections were a hit and helped their community. Hammer couldn’t wait to show Truitt his craft and make memories with her forever.

The Online Reaction

Netizens were stunned by the couple’s love story, and many desired to find something similar. People also wished the lovebirds well and thanked them for bringing the hope and belief that romance is alive at any age:

“There is no age to love. Be happy. [What a beautiful story. God bless you. Long live love.”

– (Omaira Alvarez) December 27, 2022

“A beautiful story of love. They found it in the least [expected] place. They are very happy now. Long live love.”

– (Azucena Sanchez) December 27, 2022

“What a beautiful couple. May God fill [your life] with many blessings. Congratulations.”

– (Leonor Benavides) December 26, 2022

“I’m excited they love each other and got married. They are an example. God bless you. Congratulations!!!!”

– (Susana Silvia Damiani) December 26, 2022

“Long live love, no matter the age. If there is love between two older people, that is medicine for the heart … That happiness [cannot be] bought with all the treasures in the world. May they be happy until the end of their lives.”

– (Dina Hernandez) December 27, 2022

Hammer and Truitt are two of the lucky few who experience more than one great love story during their lifetime. We wish them all the best in their future, and may God bless them richly.

Click here for a collection of heartwarming stories to make you believe in love again. These inspiring couples displayed devotion and affection through the toughest of times.