Based on the concept that two people in love should never be denied the chance to marry their soul mate, Wish Upon a Wedding has helped dozens of couples say “I DO” since its launch in January 2010. Our organization provides this opportunity to those who have endured far greater challenges than many of us could possibly imagine.
As an event planner in Northern California, the idea to start a nonprofit wish granting organization came to me while I was producing a large scale wedding giveaway in San Francisco in 2009. Over 350 participants entered to win a contest where there could only be one winner. With so many couples in need, I found myself wishing there was a way to donate a dream wedding to more than just one deserving pair.
One amazing bride-to-be who entered, in particular, stood out in my mind. Vanessa Muza Teskey was battling Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma while her fiance (an officer in the US Air Force) was deployed overseas. This couple ended up winning the Giveaway (through public voting) and their Love Story inspired the creation of Wish Upon a Wedding.
Raised by parents that ”gave back” by running a board and care facility for physically and mentally challenged individuals, I learned early on the importance of community service. As a wedding planner with a background in nonprofit work, Wish Upon a Wedding now allows me to help people celebrate love, while encouraging those in the event planning industry to give selflessly to others.
It’s a magical organization ~ One I hope you will join as we continue to make these special Wishes come true…
Liz Guthrie, Founder & Executive Director, Wish Upon a Wedding
Vanessa & Mike on their Wedding Day 2010
