Evelyn and Rocky's Once-in-a-Lifetime Wedding

Twenty-two years, that is how long Evelyn and Rocky have been together; unfortunately the past few years the couple struggled with homelessness. They moved to Tampa from Ohio in search of a fresh start after Evelyn’s son, Josh, passed away. Rocky worked at an egg farm and Evelyn did restaurant work for more than 20 years. The two had been promised a chance at work and a place to live here, but it never came about and they wound up being homeless with their dog, Princess.

The tough living situations didn’t waver their strong love for one another, nor their desire to get married, but the cost of a marriage license stood in their way. Officer Daniel McDonald, homeless liaison officer with the Tampa Police Department, met the couple when they were living on the streets and promised to do what he could to help acquire the funds for a marriage license. This license was important to them, not only because of their love for one another, but also because it would help them receive housing. As Evelyn and Rocky’s story became well known, many local wedding vendors reached out donating their incredible talents and time to make the couple’s wedding come true.

The night before their wedding day, Evelyn and Rocky stayed in the French Country Inn at Cross Creek Ranch. On Friday, April 1st, with the help of many vendors and team members of CCR, their dream wedding came to life! The day started with a fresh homemade breakfast by a CCR team member and Evelyn was soon pampered with hair and makeup by Collective Creations. The day was full of joyful memories and great news as Officer McDonald announced that he was able to get the couple into an apartment. Evelyn and Rocky enjoyed the weekend in a beautiful suite at the Hilton Garden Inn East Tampa and the following Monday they moved into their new apartment!

There are not enough words to express the happiness we feel for Evelyn and Rocky! Our love for them was instantaneous, from the moment we met them in January. It was a pure joy to watch this “Cinderella story” unfold. Many congratulations to Evelyn and Rocky with their new apartment and becoming husband and wife.