Wish Upon a Wedding

How They Met:

Larry and Valerie met in March 1999 while she was working at Headquarters Plaza Hotel (now the HYATT). His best friend, who worked there introduced them.  Their first date was at his favorite mall and they ate dinner at the Sizzler, Valerie’s first time to either locations.

Their love story:

Valerie states “I’ve always believed that people are brought into our lives for a purpose. Whether for a moment or an eternity, I believe that we learn from everyone that crosses paths with us. Every situation has an opportunity to grow us and show us who we are. Every person has a purpose in our lives. Meeting and falling in love with Larry, has taught me the true meaning of reconciliation, patience, forgiveness, hope and love.  It’s given me strength in my weakness and peace through my dreams with him. His strength is proven daily while going through his battle and I feel honored to love him despite the circumstance.”

Their love story truly could make a great novel!

Boy meets girl. They have a child together. Boy and girl break up. Boy and girl get back together after being apart for almost 5 years.

Obstacles:

Since April of 2009, Larry has been admitted to the hospital on 6 occasions resulting in 5 surgeries and with 19 days being the longest time spent in the hospital. At 38 years old, he is legally blind in one eye due to complications from type 1 diabetes. He has had open heart surgery to replace and infected aortic valve and he is undergoing weekly treatments of dialysis 4 hours/3days a week.

What Makes their Relationship Special?:

Valerie and Larry’s relationship is truly special because of its untraditional nature and is made up of many stories and circumstances. However, they finally feel they are all were where God has planned for them to be from the beginning, TOGETHER. Valerie and Larry live with their 10 year old son, 15 year old daughter, Larry’s younger sister who is 17 and also see Larry’s twins often who are 3 years old.  That is truly a full house!

What does the future hold?:

Despite all of the hardships, Valerie and Larry  still manage to laugh and love every day. They have learned not to take anything for granted. They hope to raise their children and encourage them to live life to the fullest extent. They are hopeful that a kidney and pancreas donor will become available for Larry in the near future.

Wish Upon A Wedding New Jersey is pleased to be able to grant this couple’s Wedding Wish in November this year.

Some of the very generous Wish Granters who are helping with Valerie and Larry’s wedding are listed below and more will be added as soon as we get their information.

Wish Granters:

Minister/Celebrant- April Beer

Florist – Something Nice Floral

On-Site Hair and Makeup – The Powder Bar

Bridal Gown - Maplewood Bridal

Tuxedo – Top Hat & Tails

Custom Wedding Stationery and Favors – Creatively Engaged LLC

Videography – Majestic Cinema Productions

Photography – Rita Rojas-Sullivan Photography

Event Planning – A Divine Affair

Catering – Park Avenue Club

DJ – Instinctive DJ’s

Personalized Handkercheif - Lil-Inspirations

Photobooth – Jersey Photobooth

Valerie and Larry with their family