A NICU wedding at Memorial

Michelle “Chelle” Lynn and Christopher Walden married in the Memorial Children’s Hospital NICU on Thursday.

After dating for eight years, and engaged since last summer, the LaPorte couple decided it was time and the hospital the right place. And there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when one of their friends who officiated the nuptials pronounced them husband and wife.

Their NICU baby, Elias Morgan Walden, who was born in February at 29 weeks and four days, served as ring bearer.

NICU staff decorated the baby crib and surrounding area with white ribbon and bows. A respiratory therapist got Elias a tuxedo onsie for the occasion and a doctor got the couple a tiered wedding cake. “I can’t imagine life without him,” Chelle said.

Thanks to the hospital staff for helping to make it such a special day for the Walden family. And congratulations, Chelle and Chris!