Pair wed on Memorial Day on the beach

What is the perfect age to get married?

For newlyweds Floyd and Sonya Wright, 83 was the answer.

Special to the Banner

Floyd and Sonya Wright, both 83, cut their wedding cake.

The two Bonitans met in exercise class doing push-ups at the Bonita Springs Recreation Center about 2½ years ago and got married on Memorial Day on the sands of Bonita Beach.

Just three months ago, on Valentine's Day, Floyd popped the question to his work-out companion, and now life partner, at Sanibel Steakhouse.

"We met in exercise class and it's been heaven ever since," Floyd said.

Sonya Wright said she was happy for the proposal, and described Floyd as "the most gentle man I've ever met."

Floyd, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, and a retired colonel, was without a spouse for about five years after he lost his first wife to Alzheimer's, and Sonya lost her husband about the same time.

"We've both had long and happy marriages," Floyd said.

Sonya, a two-time gold medal winner in the 50 meter freestyle in Masters Swimming, exercises with Floyd at the rec center three times a week.

"Her nickname to me is 'Sparky,' because she is so full of energy. She's my dream," Floyd said.

The couple decided they would plan their wedding for the first long weekend, so that their family could join in the celebration. Monday's wedding, which was held after exercise class on Bonita Beach, went off without a hitch, the two said.

Special to the Banner

Floyd and Sonya Wright, of Bonita Springs, share a kiss as husband and wife, with Rev. Budd Johnson at their Memorial Day wedding on Bonita Beach.

About 65 guests stood on the beach for the ceremony, which included most of Sonya and Floyd's children from previous marriages, their spouses and children; about 20 guests from the Lions Club where Floyd has been a member for 25 years; and about 30 guests from the couple's exercise class.

Rev. Budd Johnson, from First Methodist Church performed the ceremony, dressed in slacks and a Hawaiian shirt, fit for the occasion.

Sonya wore crisp white shorts and sneakers with a turquoise top, finished with a pinned corsage, while the groom and most of the guests also wore shorts or sweats, and T-shirts.

"It was beautiful," Sonya Wright said. "Many, many came."

After the ceremony, the party moved from the beach to the ground floor of Sonya's condo on Hickory Boulevard, where they had a champagne brunch and dancing.

Now, the couple is waiting for all their guests to leave town, before they head out of on a road trip honeymoon.

"As soon as all of the kids get out of here, we're going to hop in our motor home and go to Asheville, N.C.," Floyd Wright said.