The Chicago Chapter is thrilled to announce our next wish!
In the words of Deshawn, aka Djay:
“Monica and I originally met 25 years ago in grammar school. Oglesby Elementary to be exact. She was super smart, and I was the class clown and star athlete. I thought she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen, but I never said anything to her. I would wait for her to walk past my classroom door every morning. She would smile shyly and put her head down once she saw me looking at her, and go into her class. Sometimes I would walk 3 blocks out of my way to pass by her house, just to try and get a peek at her, but most of the time she wouldn’t come outside. On the rare occasion she was sitting on her porch, it was like God was showing me my wife, but I didn’t have the words back then.
I was diagnosed with diabetes as a child and at the age of 7, I was already giving myself my insulin shots. There were times when I was hospitalized due to diabetic comas and other related health issues. Due to the diabetes I lost sight in both eyes, but had surgeries to re-attach the retinas, so I have 65% vision in my right eye and 80% in my left. In 2006 I found out my kidneys were failing. I immediately started dialysis, and prayed for my name to be called to receive a new kidney and pancreas. In August of 2009, my prayers were answered and I had surgery August 5, 2009. I spent the next year healing, learning to walk again, feeling lucky to be alive… but also feeling sorry for myself, alone, and angry.
In December of 2010, I was with a friend who’s on Facebook, and he mentioned that he was friends with several people from Oglesby Elementary… and Monica was one of them. As soon as I heard her name, I was reminded of all those old feelings and I had to talk to her right then. I went home, logged onto Facebook and sent her a friend request, and a message. The message said, “Monica Hayes, I was in love with you in grammar school, and I still am!!! love Djay.” She responded and we’ve been together every day since January 30, 2011. The day God sent me my angel. Our love was 25 years in the making… ”
Djay secretly applied to Wish Upon a Wedding without telling Monica, and truthfully without any expectations. They were beyond thrilled (and shocked!) when they found out they had been selected due to their amazing and inspiring love story. Monica can’t wait for Djay to see her in her wedding dress for the very first time… and Djay is most excited to have her finally become “Mrs. Jones”.
Monica and Djay will be granted their dream wedding on November 11, 2011. Wish Upon a Wedding Chicago would like to thank all of the amazing vendors who will be a part of Monica and Djay’s wedding:
Venue: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Wedding Planner: Effortless Events, Cindy Shanholtz
Photographer: Sarah Alair Photography
Videographer: White Wedding Cinema, Luiza Perkowska
Florist: Avante Gardenia, Jenna Bruhn
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery
Entertainment: MDM Entertainment, Mike Dodson
Musicians: Bradley Young Orchestra
Gown/Accessories: The Bridal Mansion of Lisle
Tuxedos: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Makeup: Brie Aarin Makeup
Hair: Revolution Studio, Chrissy McLaughry 224-622-5561
Linens: Windy City Linens
Favors: Cacao Sweets & Treats
Custom Gobo: Frost Lighting
Chair Rentals: Modern Event Rental
Stationery: Natural Impressions
Seussical The Musical Tickets: Marriott Theater
Custom Embroidered Handkerchief: Li’l Inspirations
Jewelry: Tejani Jewelry
Favors/Accessories: Weddingstar
My dear friend, I am sooooo happy for you and your husband.. WOW!! I like the sound of that, your husband. although I was not able to be present in person, I was in my heart, and I shed a tear or two. Congrats to the newlyweds.
From Elena & Jose Lopez
Thank you soooo much Elana. In my head all the time we spent together on the day before was good enough for me. And other than a few near wardrobe malfunctions, it was as beautiful as we both hoped.
[...] to be the fourth wedding wish granted by the Chicago Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. Their love-story-25-years-in-the-making culminated on Friday, November 11th, as they celebrated their wedding day with their dearest [...]