December Lovers Wed, Proving It’s Lovelier the Second Time Around – RedState
When the world seems to be falling apart and you wonder what the future holds, think of two people who have lived nearly eight decades on earth but remain optimistic about the future. While young Millennials and Generation Z are trembling over what the future holds for them, these two decided to take the plunge by getting married a second time – after just 30 days of dating. When you know, you know.
A winter romance is the subject of this week’s Feel-Good Friday.
Dale Pitsenbarger and Mae Clemons, both 78 years old, were introduced to the church on May 31, 2025. Clemons’ grandson wanted his widowed grandmother to meet Mr. Pitsenbarger, also a widower. Who knew this kid was a matchmaker. Apparently, Pitsenbarger’s friends had spoken to Clemons and insisted that he meet her.
Of course, it was love at first sight.
Clemons was struck by “how handsome Pitsenbarger was” while “everyone was teasing him and telling him he needed to meet her.”
The duo was admittedly a little rusty when it came to dating, as neither had dated since their previous marriages. However, everything went off without a hitch and there were instant sparks on their first date on June 6. About a month later, they got engaged on July 5.
Clemons said she knew it was Pitsenbarger because he rang the doorbell and brought her flowers on their first date. For him, it was the next morning because he “couldn’t stop thinking about her.”
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That was all. After their spouses died, Clemons and Pitsenbarger thought they would never love each other again. However, if there was any resistance to starting a new relationship, it quickly gave way to abandonment. At this late stage in their lives, they have opened their hearts to love again. Pitsenbarger wasted no time getting engaged, and they wasted no time getting married; after all, at 78, you don’t have much time to waste. There were no “let’s go to city hall” or quickie weddings. According to photographer Hailey Kinnamon, Clemons and Pitsenbarger pulled out all the stops and spared no expense for their dream wedding. Is it sweet?
Kinnamon, 37, shares that Clemons “wanted the whole nine yards for his wedding.” From the flower toss to the wedding garter, Clemons had it all. She and Pitsenbarger were joined by everyone close to them, including their closest friends, who probably didn’t expect to ever participate in a wedding party again, but happily accepted their roles as bridesmaids and groomsmen.
“They didn’t want to cut anything because it was a day they both dreamed of and a rare opportunity to bring all their families together,” Kinnamon said.
Clemsons and Pitsenbarger’s wedding day was September 13, 2025, less than four months after they met. The ceremony took place at the Four Seasons Barn in Cardington, Ohio, a beautiful outdoor venue surrounded by forest, with 115 guests as witnesses. Clemsons’ bridesmaids prayed for her before the ceremony, and Clemsons’ son walked her down the aisle. Based on photos shared exclusively with PEOPLE Magazine, the two were a puddle of tears.
Pitsenbarger and Clemons didn’t take a first look, both wanting to save the special moment for their outdoor ceremony. The groom tells PEOPLE the wait was worth it because seeing his bride walk down the aisle was his favorite memory.
“As soon as she saw Dale at the end of the aisle, her expression transformed into a permanent smile for the rest of the evening,” Kinnamon says.
The Four Seasons Barn shared this video of their ceremony, and the smiles never stopped. It’s a fabulous thing.
I love Ralph Waldo Emerson and the newlywed Pitsenbargers, so embody this quote from my favorite Emerson poem: “This new day is too dear, with its hopes and its invitations, to waste a moment on yesterday’s.” » My greatest wish is that Dale and Mae Pitsenbarger continue to experience many new days, new hopes, and invitations to experience the joy they found in each other.
Editor’s Note: At RedState, it’s not just about politics and policy. We love to bring attention to what’s good in the world, with features like “Feel-Good Friday,” “Start Your Weekend Right” and “Hoge’s Heroes.”
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