JACKSON – As the saying goes, “The heart knows what the heart wants,” which means that strong emotional desires, especially in love, often defy logic and reason. The sentiment was popularized by Emily Dickinson and echoed in many songs but love also has its own perfect timing.
Take the case of newlyweds Bill and Karen Moran, a couple in their early 80s who celebrated their nuptials on December 20, 2025, in Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson. They were surrounded by many friends and relatives who came from various parts of the country to celebrate this very special, happy occasion.
The ceremony was officiated by Jackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn. It was the second wedding she performed as mayor.
As residents of Westlake, an active adult community, the couple didn’t know each other until a fascinating phone call brought them together. That is when Cupid took aim with his arrow.
It bothered Bill that his television was too small for his wall unit. His TV was 58 inches; a larger TV would not fit in the space. Newer versions of 65-inch sets became available with a smaller bezel. His new screen fit perfectly. Now he needed to dispose of the older set, so he advertised it on an email that is only for Westlake residents.
Karen responded and asked, “Why are you selling your TV if it’s in perfect condition?” Bill answered, “Forgive me for saying this, but ‘Size matters.’” She purchased his television.
Bill was deeply saddened by the passing of his beloved wife. Karen Gerson herself is no stranger to sadness, having lost her husband in his 30s, leaving her to raise their two children alone. The couple learned they were raised in close proximity to each other in the northern end of the state.
They came to learn that they had both enjoyed the same movie theaters and ice cream parlors, such as Grunings – which they agree offers the best hot fudge around in South Orange – and Jahn’s (best kitchen sink, a large bowl of ice cream with all the trimmings, to be shared by many) in Union.
After laughing and reminiscing on many lengthy phone calls, Karen asked, “Bill, you live five blocks away, why don’t you come over?” He eagerly replied, “I’d love to!” Their relationship quickly blossomed. When Karen broke her foot, Bill was there for her. When Bill suffered a serious fall, Karen was with him every step of the way.
Both share October / Libra birthdays, a love for the theater, travel, the beach, good food and, most importantly, the glue that holds them together, dark chocolate.
Quite often they say the same thing at the same time. Their children were thrilled with their parents’ decision to wed. Karen was attracted to Bill’s intelligence and good looks, and Bill was attracted to Karen’s “whole package.”
In Bill’s vows, he exclaimed how Karen brought him romantic love that he never thought he would experience again after his loss. He said that he was in a dark and sad place until he met Karen who brought him light and joy. There wasn’t a dry eye amongst the guests.
Karen began her vows with the fact that it was truly “meant to be” all because “size matters” as she had purchased his 58” TV, otherwise they wouldn’t be standing together exchanging their vows, which brought all the guests to laugh heartily.
The bride stated that Bill’s voice comforts her, that holding his hand and their connection means so much, and that she looks forward to becoming his wife and loving him for the rest of her life.
Joe Tatulli, president of the Westlake Board of Trustees, and his wife, Rae, were invited guests. They perform as vocalists in their spare time. Joe performed “Love Me Tender” for the newlyweds first dance as husband and wife. “It was beautiful and much appreciated,” the new bride said.
The couple are extremely active in and out of their community. Bill is an attorney; a graduate of Princeton University and he earned a JD from the University of Virginia Law School. He is a former President of the New Brunswick Bar Association, a former President of the Westlake Board of Trustees, currently a trustee on the Board, and he loves to play golf.
Karen, an entrepreneur, is the former president/founder of more than one successful business – most recently, Las Vegas Now Magazine, and Television and Radio programs under the same name. She is an artist, author, poet, and she’s currently writing her memoir. Karen has worked on behalf of Westlake’s 20th Anniversary Book, Westlake’s 25th Anniversary celebration, and many other projects.
She explained, “Personality traits such as respect, kindness, honesty, and temperament are essential to create a loving relationship. That’s exactly what Bill and I found in each other. A simple phone call can change your life forever.”
These two have found their “Meant to be” soulmate and forever partner after tragedy, and they urged those who are in a similar situation to never give up, because you just never know whose TV might be for sale.
