For over two decades, David “Rocky” Barlett and his cherished partner Evelyn Adams lived together, bound by love but never officially tying the knot. The couple’s hesitancy to marry was partly due to their homeless status, residing in a bleak encampment on the outskirts of a Florida town.
However, their lives took a heartwarming turn when the local community, moved by their enduring love, came together to give the couple the wedding of their dreams, allowing them to celebrate their commitment as a married couple officially.
Evelyn and Rocky had not always been homeless. Their lives took a downward spiral about three years ago, forcing them to leave their home and seek refuge in a wooded area in Florida. Now, as a married couple, they are determined to reclaim their lives and build a brighter future together.
Describing their wedding, Evelyn told ABC News, “It was a Cinderella story. It was the happiest moment of my and Rocky’s life. I was breathless.”
The South Tampa community, where the couple had been living without authorization from the local government, rallied around them to make their dream wedding a reality. The turning point came when the owners of Cross Creek Ranch in Dover, Florida, heard their heartrending story and offered to host their wedding for free.
Bonnie McSharry, the owner of Cross Creek Ranch, shared her thoughts, “It has been so moving to see how excited they are, and it has been as much a gift for our staff, myself, my husband, and our staff as much as it is for them.”
As the news of the homeless couple’s wedding spread throughout Florida, the community’s generosity poured in. Evelyn received a donated dress, Rocky a tuxedo, and others offered flowers, food, and drinks to make the celebration truly memorable.
Nancy Spooner, director of weddings for Cross Creek Ranch, acknowledged the immense support from the community, stating, “We didn’t do this all ourselves. When we started making calls to caterers, photographers, florists, and other vendors — before we could finish asking them for stuff, they were already ready to donate. They were like, ‘You need a cake? You got it!’ Or ‘You need rings? They’re on the way!'”
The couple owes a debt of gratitude to Tampa Police’s homeless liaison officer, Daniel McDonald, who helped share their story. He said, “We do have a lot of challenges working with the homeless, so it is nice to have a victory like this. It is nice to see them happy and starting a new chapter in their life.”
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, Evelyn shared, “We literally stayed up till 3 am this morning just looking in amazement at everything we have. It’s like a mansion. We are so grateful to be able to get this new, fresh start to our lives.”
This inspiring story of love transcending adversity and a community coming together to make a difference serves as a testament to the power of human kindness. With their wedding as a turning point, Evelyn and Rocky embark on a new journey, determined to overcome their challenges and create a better future together, hand in hand.
Source: AWM
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