By Eric Hanson
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AMES, Iowa (KCCI) — Tim and Stephanie Couser didn’t plan to get married in a hospital chapel. But when doctors told Stephanie’s terminally ill mother, Marlys Carlson, that she was nearing the end of her battle, a backup plan unfolded in seven hours.
Greg Carlson, father of the bride, reflected on the anticipation he and Marlys felt for their daughter’s wedding day.
“Both Marlys and I have been thinking about this for 10 years,” he said. “When’s she going to get married? We’re ready for it.”
The wedding was planned for Sept. 20, 2025, but eight weeks before their wedding day, plans changed at Ames’ Mary Greeley Medical Center.
On July 25, doctors became concerned that treatments for pneumonia, combined with her Stage 4 lung cancer, were not responding. Marlys’ cancer diagnosis had been a shock, given she had never smoked.
Stephanie recalled the difficult conversation with her mother’s doctor: “He came in early for his rounds and (we had) tough conversations about where we’re at.”
Determined to have her mother present, Stephanie texted Tim from the hospital, asking, “Do you want to get married today?”
Despite having elaborate plans, they found themselves surrounded by hospital staff who rallied to make the impromptu wedding happen. “And that’s when it all started,” said Kat Wogen, a Mary Greeley clinical resource nurse.
The hospital staff quickly mobilized, securing a cake from a local bakery and finding a nurse in the hospital’s labor and delivery unit to stand in as a photographer. Tim checked on his suit, which had arrived just in time, while Stephanie’s best friend, eight months pregnant, bought a ring from Walmart.
“Can you imagine that? An eight-month pregnant woman at the Walmart ring counter?” Stephanie said with a laugh.
Nurses transformed the ICU into a bridal suite, painting Marlys’ nails and helping her into her dress. Stephanie shared an emotional moment with her mother.
“They made the room feel like it was not a hospital room, and it was just my mom and I,” she said. “I got to help do her makeup and hair, her spraying me with perfume, and then helping me get into my dress.”
The intimate ceremony took place in the hospital’s prayer chapel, with 12 guests present. Greg walked Stephanie down the aisle, and Marlys sat in the front row, witnessing her daughter’s vows.
“It shouldn’t have worked. But it did,” Greg said. The nurses’ efforts left a lasting impact, with Stephanie expressing her gratitude, “To go above and beyond is something I can never say thank you enough for.”
Four days later, Marlys passed away. Eight weeks later, the couple held a celebration with the same bridesmaids and pastors, while honoring Marlys’ memory.
“I know Marlys is watching over us today,” said a pastor during the ceremony.
Stephanie felt her mother’s presence, saying, “I absolutely felt her presence with me and she gave me the strength to walk down the aisle and be here along with Tim.”
The community’s support ensured that the couple’s marriage began with the same strength and love Marlys had shown throughout her life.
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