Man ties the knot for the very first time – at the age of 99

Man ties the knot for the very first time – at the age of 99 - He always said he'd never marry until he met the right woman - he just didn't think he'd have to wait until was 99.

But now, after a lifetime as a confirmed bachelor, Gilbert Herrick has finally tied the knot.

The World War II veteran married 86-year-old widow Virginia Hartman in a touching ceremony at their nursing home in Rochester, New York.

And the long wait was nothing to do with commitment. He said: 'I never met the right woman until I met Virginia'.

Never too late: Gilbert Herrick and Virginia Hartman tie the knot at their nursing home in Rochester, New York

Asked just before the ceremony if he had any romantic advice, he said simply: 'Love will find you.'

The couple beamed as widely as any young newlyweds as they exchanged vows in front of family and friends at Monroe Community Hospital earlier this month.

Virginia looked resplendent in a bright red hat and suit, and Gilbert wore a rose corsage to match.

Although both are confined to wheelchairs, they were still determined to have the traditional first dance - even if they had to wait until the dancefloor was less crowded.

He told the Democrat and Chronicle: 'We didn't want to knock anyone over.'

Newlyweds: Gilbert and Virginia exchange rings in front of an audience of family and friends. Gilbert said: 'I never met the right woman until I met Virginia'

Happiness: Virginia and Gilbert hold hands as they say their wedding vows on June 4

After the ceremony, county executive Maggie Brooks officially declared June 4, 2011 as Gilbert and Virginia Herrick Day throughout Monroe County.

The couple met last year, when they bumped into each other in the hallway soon after Virginia arrived at the hospital.

They became friends over a mutual love of art - Virginia paints china and Gilbert loves oil painting.

He told the Chronicle: 'There's nobody here to talk to. She was the only one, and I started visiting her every day. I thought she would kick me out.'

Growing friendship: Gilbert and Virginia pictured shortly after they first met last year

Special day: Virginia's five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all helped to arrange the ceremony

They said they acted like a pair of teenagers, exchanging love notes then tearing them up so nobody would see them.

The couple gradually grew closer and closer, until they decided they wanted to move in together - but after living by himself for 98 years, Gilbert couldn't quite pluck up the courage to ask.

He said: 'We wanted to share a room, but you can't do that here unless you are married. So she asked me, and I said yes.'

Their wedding was arranged by Virginia's five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all attended the ceremony.

Army veteran: Gilbert Herrick in his U.S. Army uniform at the end of World War II, and with his medals

Emotional trip: Gilbert Herrick on a veterans trip to Washington in June. He and Virginia were determined for him to go, and defied care home staff who said he was too frail

The month before Gilbert, a retired postal worker who served in the Army during World War II, was offered the chance to visit Washington with Honor Flight, a veterans' group.

They defied the objections of staff, who said he was too frail. Virginia said: 'I don't accept frail as a reason. I said, "if you die on the trip, so what? It makes you happy".'

Both have settled happily into married life. They enjoy painting together, and Gilbert said he still loves working in the hospital's greenhouse.

He said: 'They pay me $8 a month. I know it's not much for a married man.' Virginia laughed, and replied: 'But at least it's an income.' ( dailymail.co.uk )

Blog : Shadow Of Death | Man ties the knot for the very first time – at the age of 99