An unexpected wedding has brought joy to a Madrid hospital where a couple of COVID-19 patients got married after both being hospitalized with the virus.

Fernando, 70, and Rosario, 62, have been together for more than 14 years, but they had never talked about getting married before they found themselves in different wards of the Isabel Zendal hospital in the Spanish capital on January 23.

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"He had never asked me before to marry him and about eight days ago, I can't really remember, he sent me a WhatsApp message proposing," said Rosario in an interview before heading to Fernando's ward for the wedding.

"It was the greatest happiness. I said, 'Of course, it's my life dream to become your wife.'" 

Love conquers all, and in this case it defeated the fear and loneliness of being separated from each other after contracting a disease that has claimed millions of victims worldwide.

The couple, who was able to share a kiss and have a slice of cake, celebrated the wedding on Thursday with the hospital's staff, with one lucky nurse picking up the bridal bouquet.

After the ceremony, officiated by a priest connected via video call, Rosario went back to her ward.

She hopes her husband, who has underlying health conditions and has been connected to a respirator, will manage to defeat the virus. 

"He is a very strong man, he's a fighter, a champ and he will overcome this," she said, moved to tears.

Video editor: Riaz Jugon