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Five generations of one family gather for wedding in the park

By Piper Castillo, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

After Friday’s ceremony at Largo Central Park, bride Patti Rose, now Mrs. Foster, meets her husband’s grandmother Virginia Mae Lively for the first time. In back are sisters Pamela Weaver, left, and Deloris Bauld, the groom’s mother.
	[PIPER CASTILLO | Times]

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When John Foster's grandson was born 21/2 years ago, his family achieved a milestone: five living generations.

On Friday, those generations came together to help connect Foster's past and future as he embarked on a new chapter in life.

Foster married Patti Rose at about 4:30 p.m. in front of the waterfall in Largo Central Park. It was the third marriage for each.

"My other two weddings were quickies, where we went down to the courthouse,'' said Foster, 47. "We wanted to have a ceremony and bring the family together.''

Among the 55 wedding guests were John's grandmother, Virginia Mae Lively, 84; his mother, Deloris Bauld, 69; sons, Christopher, 27, and John, 16; and grandson, Colin, 2.

Kids from the nearby playground squeezed together on the top of the slide to watch the bridal party walk by.

John's grandmother traveled from Blooming Rose, W.Va., and is staying with John's mother, Deloris Bauld of Seminole. Christopher and Colin came from their home in St. Petersburg and John, who lives with his father, came from Seminole.

"I've been involved in generational events like this for a long time,'' Bauld said. "Some in our family had babies very young. Being a parent early can be a struggle, but we've always stayed close as a family,'' she said.

The couple chose to marry at Largo Central Park because of the picturesque outdoor setting and waterfall, as well as its proximity to the couple's Seminole home. After the ceremony, the party moved indoors to the Largo Cultural Center.

The Foster-Rose wedding is in good company. Ten weddings have been performed at the facility this year, said Charla Lucas, special events coordinator for the city of Largo.

The Rev. Craig Horton of Largo Wesleyan Church performed the ceremony.

"You don't see five generations get-together everyday," he said. "It means two things. The family works on communicating, and the family has kept their physical health.''

Grandma Virginia turned out to be exactly as John described her, the bride said. Rose met her new grandmother-in-law for the first time after the ceremony.

"I knew she meant a lot to John, and he had said she was feisty," Rose said. "She told me, 'You better take care of my grandson.' ''

The couple honeymooned at St. Pete Beach for the weekend before returning home to married life.