Love Finds a Way | Amavida residents wed in community’s first resident-to-resident marriage
Amavida, a premier resort retirement living community in Fort Myers, celebrated a milestone on Nov. 15, when two of its residents became the first couple to marry after meeting and falling in love while living at the community.
Tom Harrington, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and former strategic plans officer at the Pentagon, and Merrily Ray, an interior designer and motivational speaker from Ohio, exchanged vows at Zion Lutheran Church, followed by a reception in one of Amavida’s courtyards.
Their love story began with an unlikely first encounter: Merrily, who had moved into the apartment directly below Tom’s, took notice of her upstairs neighbor’s early-morning routine.
“I saw him at lunch that day, and these were my exact words: ‘Listen, buster, no showers before 6 a.m.,'” Merrily recalled with a laugh.
That humorous introduction sparked a friendship that blossomed into romance. The couple began meeting for breakfast, served together as resident ambassadors, and attended church with other Amavida residents.
“We just started to join each other for breakfast,” Tom explained. “We were both ambassadors, so we’d see each other at meetings. One thing led to another.”
When Tom proposed, Merrily was taken by surprise. “He’s a wonderful man,” she said softly. “I just didn’t think something like this would happen again.”
A Community Celebration
The Nov. 15 ceremony generated excitement throughout Amavida, with 77 residents attending the ceremony – three buses ferried guests to and from the church – and the reception in one of the community’s courtyards. “We didn’t even have to announce it,” Tom said. “Word spread like wildfire.”
The community’s dining staff enthusiastically embraced the celebration. “There was almost a fight between the servers over who would get to work our reception,” Tom said with a smile.
Family members traveled from across the country to attend, including Merrily’s two grandsons from Montana, who walked her down the aisle. After the honeymoon, Tom will move into Merrily’s apartment, and the couple will continue their life together at Amavida, along with Dasha, a tailless cat they recently adopted together.
Breaking New Ground
While Amavida has married couples in residence, Tom and Merrily are the first to meet, fall in love, and marry while living in the community.
“We’re experimental,” Tom admitted. “We don’t really know how this will change things. We’re setting an example.”
The couple hopes their story will inspire others. “We hope there will be other couples who follow us,” Tom said. “We’re breaking new ground here.”
When asked what advice they’d give to others hoping to find companionship later in life, Tom reflects: “Just follow your instincts, because God shows you where to go.”
Merrily described Tom simply: “He is the most kind Christian that I have met in a long time. And I just love him dearly.”
About Amavida
Amavida offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in a vibrant, resort-style community in Fort Myers, Florida. The community is designed to support residents in living their best lives through exceptional services, engaging programs, inviting amenities, and a welcoming environment where meaningful connections flourish.