Longtime neighbor Georgina Mills summed it up best after attending the wedding of Joan Kellar and Alan Walters: “Joan and Alan’s love story is a story of faith, hope and love. They are an inspiration to all of us. They are living proof that happy endings do come true.”

    More than 50 years ago, two Miami Springs teenagers dated each other while in 10th grade. They were students at Miami Jackson High School and they enjoyed bowling together every week. After finishing high school, the two went their separate ways.

    The young Alan Roy Walters became a professional bowler and the young Carolyn Joan Kellar married and moved away.

    Life carried on and years passed. Eventually, both Walters’ marriage and Kellar’s marriage dissolved. Some would say they had yet to find their “one true love.”

    Jump forward to 2008, Kellar returned back home to live in Miami Springs. She got a part-time job at Milam’s Market.

    Guess who else worked at Milam’s? Of course, it was none other than her high school sweetheart, Alan Walters.

    They were reunited and their first date took place at Carol’s Cozy Corner on Westward Drive. Their first date was a success and the two began to fall in love all over again.

    When Alan’s mother, Miriam Walters, grew ill back in 2010, Joan was there by her side. She helped care for Mrs. Walters and was with Alan through the tough times when his mother passed away. The friendship and camaraderie grew between the two.

    Joan and Alan have been dating for five years and the charming couple continue to work at Milam’s Market. Anyone who shops at Milam’s is sure to have met them.

    Alan is ever so helpful and tends to work towards the back of the store. Joan is always positive and cheerful. She works all over the place and has more energy than a teenage girl. Both will celebrate their 70th birthday this year.

    When Cozy Corner owner Carol Coons heard that her place was the location of their first date, she had this say: "We are honored that their first date was here at Cozy Corner. I am happy that it’s turned out so well for them.”

    Milam’s Market employee Whitney Ford has witnessed their relationship grow over the years. “I used to tease Alan,” said Ford. “I always asked him when he was going to pop the question.”

    Walters finally realized that Joan was the one. He popped the question back in December of last year.

    On Saturday, June 22 Joan and Alan became Mr. and Mrs. Walters when they tied the knot at Poinciana United Methodist Church.

    Their family and close friends gathered to celebrate with them as they promised for better or worse and in sickness and in health. The beautiful bride made her way down the aisle, grinning from ear to ear as the groom eagerly awaited.

    After saying their “I do’s” they gathered for a reception in the church’s fellowship hall. The newlyweds danced their first dance as husband and wife, to a song appropriately titled “Born for You.”

    The charming couple is honeymooning on the west coast of Florida, visiting Fort Myers, Tampa, and the Busch Gardens theme park. When they return to Miami Springs, the two can be spotted all around town, not to mention working hard at Milam’s Market. Their favorite romantic date spot is by the window at Johnny’s Soda Fountain. Perhaps the décor at Johnny’s reminds them of their teenage years, surrounded by the checkered floor, the bar stools and the ’50s music playing in the background.

    “Since I began working at Poinciana they have been talking about getting married,” said Pastor Gordon Pike of Poinciana. Joan and Alan happen to be the oldest couple that Pike has ever married.  “They are an adorable couple. It’s such an honor to be part of their love story.”

    After the toast from the best man, Wilson Walters, son of the groom, the wedding cake was served. The groom was asked if he was ready for the removal of the garter. The newlywed Walters responded with, “I’m always ready!”

    Family and friends soon gathered around for a grand exit to send the newlyweds off to their honeymoon. The guests blew bubbles on the couple as they entered their getaway car.

    “This was the most beautiful day of my life,” said the new Mrs. Walters.