“ All the elements of a Christmas tree , plus leggings that looked like peppermint ,” he said . “ That was quite a sight ! As best as I can recall , the next time I saw her at the center , we talked a little as we prepared to deliver meals , and we agreed to have a meal together .”
And of course , he began to realize he wanted to ask her out — even though they both seemed to have two very different personalities .
Mike described himself as an introvert and Linda as an extrovert . “ She is bold , vocal , outgoing and never meets a stranger . And most would describe me as very quiet and reserved . So , I guess you could definitely say in our case ‘ opposites attracted .’”
Linda said that despite the personality differences , she knew Mike was the one for her and didn ’ t hesitate in saying yes when he proposed .
“ From the moment we started planning our wedding we knew that we wanted to get married at the senior center ,” said Linda . “ The center was where we met and it would be a great location for all of the seniors to attend the ceremony . I have become attached to the people here and think of them like they are my children . So , I guess you could say I wanted as many of the seniors to come and be in a comfortable setting at our wedding .”
Mike felt the same way . “ I wanted to get married there simply because the center is where I met Linda ,” he said . “ Plus , the senior center is and will always be special not just because it is where I met my wife , but it is where I made some of my very best friends . These friends will always be special to me .”
The location wasn ’ t the only special ingredient to top off the wedding ; the couple also chose a special date for the occasion : Linda ’ s birthday .
Seniors throughout Cullman County attended the wedding of Linda Smith and Michael Cotten .
Albert Kimbrill , also a senior at the Cullman Center , officiates the wedding .
26 | SPRING 2022 CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE