Photo: Ginny Doughty
TOPSFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Eighty years after Heather's grandfather opened Gil's Grocery in Topsfield, she said her wedding vows by the register.
Heather and John Carver closed up the store on a Sunday earlier this month and walked down the candy aisle in a sparkling dress and kilt, surrounded by memories—and some regulars.
Heather says when she and John discussed where to hold their wedding, she thought of the place that means the most to her.
"The store represents home for me," she said.
Elbridge Gilford III opened the store in 1946 after coming home from World War II and worked there until his death in 2015. Heather worked at the store starting as a teenager.
Photo: Ginny Doughty
Her mother surprised her with a horse and buggy ride to the store for a wedding mixing fairytale magic and the comfort of everyday routines.
"It's just the greatest memory," said Heather. "The participation of family, friends, older customers, and newer customers. It made the day so incredibly special for us."
She said though her grandparents have passed on, she felt like they were there.