Bells will soon be ringing in St. Louis for this very special couple.

Photo Credit: Signature Studio Creative Photography

At first glance Danielle, 19 and Tony, 20 of St. Louis, MO look like any young couple in love. He has a tousled mop of auburn hair and a boyish grin. She has sparkling eyes and a warm smile. But they are not like most couples their age.

Danielle was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis more than 16 years ago at the age of three. It was just two years before she and Tony met in their kindergarten class. “ I knew when I met him we would be friends for a long time,” said Danielle. And she was right.

Throughout the years, the two kept in touch and remained close friends, despite moving to separate cities. “We talked at least once every week,” she said. “We would chat over the phone and communicate on-line.” Danielle moved back to St. Louis in 2005 due to her illness. She began to see Tony with a greater frequency. In 2008, shortly after Danielle received a double lung transplant, the couple began dating. “The transplant was such an emotional time and we had been such close friends. It was then I realized he was the one.”

Recently, Danielle’s disease has begun to progress once again. Despite the transplant, her condition continues to worsen. Her body is rejecting her donor lungs. This summer, doctors determined Danielle has less than six months to live. But that doesn’t matter to Tony. He asked Danielle to marry him on August 9, 2010.

“He came to visit me that day at the hospital,” said Danielle. “He just got down on his knee and proposed, with my great grandmother’s ring.” She, of course, said yes. “We’ve been through everything together. From setting up my first oxygen tank to laying on my deathbed, going through a terminal illness together makes you realize your strength as a couple.”

Now in a matter of weeks, Danielle will gently walk down the aisle with her father by her side, in a ceremony provided by Wish Upon a Wedding. Her sisters Samantha and Paige, as well as best friends Megan, Jessica and Sam, will serve as bridesmaids. Her blonde hair will frame her delicate face, her dress will be beautiful, and her family and friends will be in attendance. Her ever-present oxygen tank will probably be there too, but no one will notice. All eyes will be fixated on this young woman in love and about to get married. There won’t be a dry eye in the room.

At the end of the white-silk aisle will be Tony, the childhood classmate who has grown into the man of her dreams. A handsome young man, mature beyond his years, and the one who has been there to love and support her throughout her disease, almost from the very beginning. “That’s the thing I admire most about him,” said Danielle. “His compassion toward others.”

Danielle, like most young brides, doesn’t really know exactly what her future holds. But one thing she knows for certain. “September 1, 2010 will be a special day. It’s the day that I am going to marry my best friend.”

Blissful Wishes Ball:

A Celebration Gala Benefiting Wish Upon a Wedding

You are cordially invited to make wedding history… at our First Annual Cross-Country Galas!

In conjunction with our national sponsors, Get ..Married Media, the Association of Bridal Consultants, and our newest partner Green Wedding Shoes, Wish Upon a Wedding announced today that tickets are NOW ON SALE for The Blissful Wishes Ball.

Tickets WILL sell out!

http://www.wishuponawedding.eventbrite.com

These signature, high-profile events will happen in 12 cities across the nation, just before and just after the Association of Bridal Consultants’ Annual Conference (to be held Nov 7 – 9, 2010 at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa in Phoenix.)

Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, cocktails, entertainment and auctions, as the entire country celebrates Wish Upon a Wedding’s MONTH OF GIVING!

Event proceeds will help raise crucial funding needed to grant these very special wedding wishes.

In some cities, space is limited, so RSVP today!

Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and/or serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, The Blissful Wishes Ball will take place in the following cities:

* Chicago Nov 01, 2010

* Los Angeles Nov 04, 2010

* San Francisco Nov 10, 2010

* Houston Nov 11, 2010

* Denver Nov 11, 2010

* Charlotte, NC Nov 12, 2010

* Seattle Nov 13, 2010

* St. Louis Nov 14, 2010

* Orlando Nov 14, 2010

* Atlanta Nov 14, 2010

* Baltimore Nov 17, 2010

* Portland Nov 18, 2010

Industry Professionals and Business Owners:

Gain exposure for your business while you pay it forward at the SAME time!

Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss is an online and live silent auction event, which coincides with our Galas, where everything needed to plan the perfect wedding or event will be available for bidding beginning October 1st. In keeping with the nation-wide theme, these auctions will be taking place in 46 cities across the country, and will be open for bidding until November 30th.

Please visit our auction site located at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483 and click on Donate an Item, to participate as an auction sponsor.

If interested in learning more about how to help, or to apply to be a City Auction Team Leader, email Founder Liz Guthrie at cwo@wishuponawedding.org .

See you in November!!!

www.wishuponawedding.eventbrite.com

A special thank you to DB Designs!

Wish Upon a Wedding is pleased to announce this upcoming celebration with a special vow renewal ceremony for Wally and Debra.

Wally and Debra, both 39 years old, met through a co- worker of Debra’s, who was hosting a party to raise money for his hockey team.  According to Debra, “We talked all night and Wally walked me to a cab at the end of the night.”

Debra says that Wally is a beautiful person but, “it’s his heart and his kindness to others that makes him truly a beautiful person. He’s always helping others and volunteering his time.”

Wally spent some time in Japan for a semester of college and the couple had always talked about traveling. One night over sushi Wally and Debra decided to take a trip to Osaka, Japan. During the first night of the trip in front of the Osaka castle, Wally proposed to Debra.

A destination wedding soon followed, and although it was beautiful, many of the couple’s closest family and friends were unable to attend.  They would like Wish Upon a Wedding to help them celebrate a special vow renewal ceremony closer to home, so all their loved ones can share the day with them.

Out of the blue, Wally was diagnosed with Parotid Gland Cancer in December of 2008.  Their daughter Riley was just six months old at the time. Wally had been very active, playing volleyball and hockey, as well as riding bikes.  Now he can barely walk without pain.

After his diagnosis, he soon had a paradectomy followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The doctors and the couple believed he was cancer free. But in May of 2010, he began experiencing pain in his pelvis, ribs and lungs. A PET Scan revealed the cancer had spread to his bones, which the CT Scans had not detected. The bone cancer is now all over his body, and doctors estimate he has 12 months to live, and his health is rapidly deteriorating.

It is Wally’s wish to renew his vows with the love of his life, Debra, in front of his daughter Riley, and before Debra gives birth to their next child.  Debra is currently pregnant.

When Wally was first diagnosed, the couple thought it was a curable cancer however, they both knew Wally would have to have surgery followed by intense radiation and chemotherapy.

For his intense treatments, Wally would show up at the hospital on Sunday night, and spend the entire week in the hospital. He did this every other week for five months. It was tough for him to be away from his baby daughter, and he still feels he missed out on some valuable time with her.

During the time they believed he was cancer-free, Wally and Debra struggled to get pregnant again.  When they finally did, they learned that Wally’s cancer had metastasized in his bones.  His biggest dream now is to see his baby be born and hold his baby in his hands.

Wally and Debra know that Wally will never have the opportunity to see his children grow up, but the couple dreams and hopes that he can be there for them in the beginning.

Debra says, “We are a team, a united front, to our family and friends. No matter how hard it gets, we always try to put a positive spin on everything. We’re celebrating today and thankful for each day.”

Although they do not know what the future looks like, they are looking forward to this very special celebration with those closest to them, and plan to celebrate life, love and family.

The Chicago chapter is under way with plans for Wally and Debra’s special day, and we’ll keep you posted as plans progress.

Congratulations Wally and Debra~ We are honored to provide this special day for you and your loved ones.

We have recently granted a wedding to Nick and Bahar who will soon be getting married in Chicago. 

Contact Information
Liz Guthrie, Founder cwo@wishuponawedding.org
877-305-WISH

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How excited are we?  Beyond the moon-excited! When Perez Hilton talks, people listen!  He has over 2 million followers on Twitter and his blog receives an average of 1.9 million hits per day!  Thanks Perez!

A Worthwhile Cause

Filed under: Inspiration

Wish Upon a Wedding is happy to announce that Andy Ebon, the nation’s leading expert in social media and marketing for the wedding industry, has accepted a volunteer position with our rapidly expanding nonprofit organization.  As National Director of Social Media, Andy will help Wish Upon a Wedding focus on creating a magnificent blog. He also plans to create and maintain other social media outlets such as our soon-to-be-created-Wikipedia pages.

Andy Ebon is the owner of Wedding University, providing Marketing Education for Wedding Professionals. He travels heavily for speaking engagements and consulting to wedding industry associations and companies. He publishes The Wedding Marketing Blog, has written an eBook on disc – 99 Wedding Marketing Tips & 10 Things You Should Never Do, as well as authored chapters on Blogging and Social Media Strategy in the first two volumes of The Power of the Platform book anthologies.

In 2007, Andy was presented with the first Think Tank Flame of Inspiration Award for Igniting the Entrepreneurial Spirit in all of us.

Andy continues as an in-demand public speaker at conferences and local meetings such as: NACE, The Special Event, ACPWC, catersource, Catering Symposium (Catering Magazine), CSA Las Vegas (Convention Services Association), San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, AFWPI, Convention Services Association of Las Vegas, WPIC (Wedding Planners Institute of Canada) Professional Wedding Planners Conference and others.

Now in its second decade, Andy and EBS Virtual Communications have refocused squarely on wedding marketing and small business consultation, with the launch of The Wedding Marketing Network and its affiliated companies. With industry experience of 2000 weddings, and three decades of hospitality and wedding marketing, The Wedding Marketing Network is his most recent passion, along with Wish Upon a Wedding!

INTRODUCING Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss!

What engaged couples wouldn’t feel GOOD knowing the money they are spending on their wedding is going directly to a good cause?  From the gown to the cake, and the photography to the invitations, couples now have the opportunity to shop for all the items and services needed to plan a beautiful wedding, directly from the comfort of home.  Some couples dream of hiring top of the line wedding vendors, but cannot afford it. Well, now may be their only chance to score a great deal, and have the wedding they’ve always imagined, while supporting a wonderful nonprofit organization.

Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization is proud to announce Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss, an online auction offering couples who are planning their weddings a new option in charitable giving.

Starting in September of 2010, couples will be able to go online to browse the items that will be available to them.  Then the bidding fun begins during the months of October and November, where ANYONE can bid on hundreds of items from the industry’s top professionals.

How do I donate an item?

Any wedding or hospitality professional, or other business owner, may submit an item or service to our auctions.  Simply click on this link https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483 and fill out the short contact form.  Once you are registered, you’ll be asked for the details of your donation.  Be sure to upload your company’s logo, include your website url, a description of your business, a description & value of the item you are donating (along with any restrictions or blackout information). It’s a great advertising opportunity that allows you to showcase your business to thousands of engaged couples who visit our site.

Couples can bid on custom escort cards and stationery

How will I know if my donation has been accepted?

Once our Auction Team reviews the donation item, you’ll be contacted by email.  A WUW representative will let you know that the item was accepted or denied. The donation may be featured only ONLINE, or it may appear BOTH online AND at our GALA, the Blissful Wishes Ball. {During September, the chapter’s fundraising chair will select which donation items will also be showcased at the Galas, and will inform you by email if selected.}

Then what do I do?

If your donation is accepted, you’ll need to fill out, print, and mail a gift certificate to the City Auction Team Leader of the city you donated in.  The City Team Auction Leader will be responsible for getting the gift certificate to the winning bidder at the close of the auction.  If it is an item too large to be mailed, you’ll still need to complete the gift certificate, and make arrangements with the City Auction Team Leader for delivery or pickup.  The City Auction Team Leader will still be responsible for getting the gift certificate and the donation item(s) to the winning bidder at the close of auction.

Highest bidder can win wedding gown or tuxedo from our donors

How will my donation be featured?

Once approved by our Auction Team, your donation will appear beginning September 1, 2010 on our auction website.  Whether the item is to be used only in the online Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss OR at an actual GALA event, the donation will appear online for the PUBLIC to preview during the month of September. The donation will remain on view during October and November.

Should the donation be selected to be showcased at one of our GALAs, it will be featured online and at the live event.  When a guest previews a GALA item online, they will NOT be able to bid for it. They will only be able to see it and read about your company.

Sample Auction Categories

Wedding Planner

Wedding and Reception Venue

Caterer

Rental Company

Photographer

Videographer

Cake Designer

Gown Shop

Tuxedo Shop

Limo Company

Officiant

Hair

Makeup Artist

Stationery Designer/Printer

Florist

DJ

Musician

Jeweler

Hotel

Miscellaneous Items or Services

A dozen cities to host galas in November

Cities hosting a Blissful Wishes Ball in November 2010

San Francisco

Los Angeles

Chicago

Washington D.C.

Houston

The Carolinas

Denver

Portland

St. Louis

Atlanta

Orlando

Additional Locations may be announced soon!

Auctions taking place in the following 46 locations
CALIFORNIA
Sacramento
San Diego
Santa Barbara
Los Angeles/Orange County
San Francisco

WASHINGTON
Seattle

OREGON
Portland

ILLINOIS
Chicago

MINNESOTA
Minneapolis

OHIO
Cincinnati
Columbus
Cleveland

MICHIGAN
Detroit

NEW YORK
New York

NEW JERSEY

PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON DC

NORTH CAROLINA
Raleigh/Durham
Charlotte

SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston

FLORIDA
Orlando/Tampa
Miami/South FL
Jacksonville

GEORGIA
Atlanta

TENNESSEE
Memphis
Nashville

LOUISIANA
New Orleans

TEXAS
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Austin
Houston
San Antonio

MASSACHUSETTS
Boston

ARIZONA
Phoenix
Tucson

INDIANA
Indianapolis

WISCONSIN
Milwaukee

COLORADO
Denver
Colorado Springs

KENTUCKY
Louisville

NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque

MISSOURI
St. Louis
Kansas City

HAWAII
Honolulu

NEVADA
Las Vegas

OKLAHOMA
Tulsa

Lucky winning bidders can have gorgeous flowers like this!

If you are a business owner or a wedding or event professional in any of the cities listed above, please consider donating to our auctions.

Wish Upon a Wedding is recognized as a 501 c 3 organization, incorporated in the state of CA. Though most donations are tax-deductible, we suggest you contact an accountant for clarification. The IRS received our 1023 application, which is currently being reviewed.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, JUNE 30, 2010 – Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first wedding wish granting organization that produces weddings for individuals facing  terminal illness, announces today that November has been named the organization’s official Month of Giving. Several fund raising events—dubbed The Blissful Wishes Ball–are open to the public, and will take place in local cities across the country throughout the month of November. Event proceeds will help cover costs associated with granting wedding wishes.
In conjunction with these Galas, couples planning to be married will be able to bid for wedding-related auction items online or at any of the live events, all at incredible prices, during October and November. Wedding and event professionals representing more than 20 auction categories are donating the items, which cover many of the details and services needed to plan the perfect wedding. Items will be donated and available to engaged couples in 46 cities, and range from wedding gowns to tuxedos, invitations to cakes, and limousine services to honeymoons.

A dozen chapters of Wish Upon a Wedding are currently busy preparing for the nonprofit’s nation-wide celebrations, for which tickets will be available beginning August 15, 2010.  The online auctions will run during the months of October and November at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483

“We are excited to offer couples a way to bid on wishes for their own weddings, while donating to Wish Upon a Wedding.” said Sasha Souza, the organization’s national president.  Souza added, “The Galas that are taking place in November will be a chance for the local communities to learn more about Wish Upon a Wedding, while enjoying great food, entertainment, and exciting auction items from local vendors & suppliers.”

Launched in January 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding is experiencing tremendous growth, with more than 16 chapters nationwide. Those hosting a Blissful Wishes Ball include: Northern California, Southern California, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, The Carolinas, Colorado, Portland, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Orlando.  Additional events may be announced in the future.
Wish Upon a Wedding is looking for premier auction items related to the wedding and event industry, and services required for complete wedding packages. If interested in donating, and receiving great exposure for YOUR business, please visit the website https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483 and click on Donate an Item.  Be sure to add your item to the correct category (city), and don’t forget to include your company logo and URL.

If interested in learning more about how to help, or to apply to be a City Team Auction Leader, please visit http://wishuponawedding.org/how-to-help/ or email Founder Liz Guthrie at cwo@wishuponawedding.org .

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The Fabulous Wish Upon a Wedding St. Louis Launch!

The Wish Upon a Wedding St. Louis Chapter officially kicked off on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 with a Caribbean Chic-themed launch party at Lumen Private Event Space in downtown St. Louis! A room full of about 160 supporters, wish granters, volunteers, committee members and board members helped kick the chapter off right and we couldn’t be more appreciative!

Everyone in the St. Louis wedding industry has already shown a tremendous amount of support for Wish Upon a Wedding, and the launch party was another testament to how supportive we can be! We had over 30 local vendors donate goods, services, time and space to the launch party, which means we didn’t go without a thing!

Our chapter president, Lacy Branch, shared a heartwarming speech explaining why Wish Upon a Wedding is so important to our community and the couple’s we seek to help! Lacy topped off her presentation with an inspirational video of the first Chicago chapter wish granted for Beth and Nick, video provided by I Do Films!

And of course our wonderful board members were all on hand to help spread the word! We’re all looking forward to getting the ball rolling for our first wish, which we hope comes very soon! We’re also continuing to seek out Wish Granters for our entire 300 mile radius!

Special thanks go out to all of our launch party sponsors who helped make the night possible with their giving spirits and who are all truly amazing! We couldn’t have done it without you!

Pictures are courtesy of Kelly Park Photography.

Venue

Lumen Private Event Space

Food/Dessert

Catering Your Way By Lisa

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Co.

El Borracho

EnFab Catering

Four Seasons St. Louis

Gooey Louie

Lumen Private Event Space

Mike Shannon’s Steaks & Seafood

Mosaic Modern/Fusion Restaurants

Orlando’s Catering & Special Event Design

Patty Long Catering

The Cakery

Beverage

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Mandarin

Red Bird Sports Café & Billiards

Nadoz Café – Steven Becker Fine Dining

Photography

Kelly Park Photography

Goodeye Photoshare

Videography

Gebbs Wedding Films

Entertainment

Millennium Productions

Cynthia Faye

Props/Décor

Parties & Props, Ltd.

RW Designs Events & Wedding Specialists

Sitting Pretty

St. Louis Audio/Visual

Tami Scott Salon, Cosmetics & Lounge

Tina Barerra, The Special Events Florist

Stationery

Paper Frosting

When we were contacted by Ed, he told us he wanted to do something special for his fiance Erwin, who had been battling lung cancer since 2008. Erwin goes through a lot of medical treatments, and spends many days at the hospital and in and out of doctor’s offices. Although he is very tired and does not have much energy, Erwin still goes to work when he can.

Ed and Erwin met in New York City in the Spring of 2000. Ed was working in NYC for the summer, when he and Erwin met. They dated all summer long. Soon they knew that they were meant to be together…forever. When Ed had a job opportunity in Virginia, he asked Erwin to move with him. On the first anniversary of their meeting, Ed surprised Erwin with a Limo ride to party where Erwin’s friends were all hiding and asked Erwin to marry him. Life being what it is, they never wound up having a ceremony.

In March of 2004, Ed and Erwin adopted a special needs child from Guatemala. In July of 2007, they adopted another boy from Guatemala. Leon is now age 7 and Ilo is age 4.

In 2008, Erwin noticed an unusual pain in his back. He saw a few doctors and they detected a mass in his right lung, but they were unable to diagnose specifically what the problem was. In March of 2009, Erwin was diagnosed with stage IIIB lung cancer and given 6-12 months to live. The cancer has metastasized to his brain and bones. He has had 6 round of chemotherapy, 14 rounds of whole brain radiation and is currently on an oral medication called Tarceva. His cancer is responding well to the new treatment, but the future is uncertain as lung cancer at this stage is always terminal.

Ed and Erwin are taking one day at a time, enjoying their children and trying to travel when Erwin’s health permits.

Wish Upon a Wedding is beyond thrilled to offer this very special family their wish: To celebrate Ed and Erwin’s TENTH anniversary as a couple by allowing them the chance to at long last seal their relationship with marriage.

We’ll be sure to keep you up to date, as the wedding planning moves along.  Right now our D.C. Chapter is working on securing all the Wish Granters for this sure-to-be-fabulous wedding celebration!

Click here for a recent wedding wish granted by Wish Upon a Wedding

all photos courtesy of KCB Photogrpahy

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore

When Wish Upon a Wedding was first contacted by a social worker at Providence Hospice of Seattle, we were told Shelly had less than three weeks to live.  Battling a rare form of cancer, Shelly was in hospice care, and had a desire to have one last special celebration of life surrounded by her friends and family.

Shelly passed away just over three weeks after she married her love, Jay, in a ceremony and reception provided by Wish Upon  a Wedding.  She had been battling a rare type of cancerous lymphoma, which had left her very weak and nearly unable to leave her own bed. Jay faced his own medical challenges with MS, as well.  But the couple really wanted to celebrate their love and make their commitment to one another public, surrounded by their loved ones. Wish Upon a Wedding made that happen for them, and granted Shelly’s last wish: To marry her long  time fiance, Jay.

Although our Seattle Board of Directors had just wrapped up their first board meeting, and had not yet officially hosted a Launch Party, we wanted to help make Shelly’s last wish come true.

Being the true professionals they are, the Seattle board sprung into action, and within 10 days of meeting Shelly, they had nearly all the details secured for this special wedding.

They reached out to our local database of Wish Granters, who were honored to donate their goods and services to Wish Upon a Wedding, so Shelly and Jay could celebrate in this most heartfelt and moving ceremony.

Shelly and Jay became husband and wife on Sunday May 2, 2010 at Sander’s Mansion on the outskirts of Seattle. Shelly passed away peacefully in the morning on May 25, 2010, with her husband by her side.

As the cancer had taken its toll on Shelly, the bride had difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time, which Wish Upon a Wedding easily accommodated.  Using a wheelchair to reach the aisle, having her parents help her walk down the aisle, and sitting for the majority of the ceremony in no way detracted from Shelly enjoying the beauty of this special day.

Shelly’s daughters, Leslie, Summer-Lynn, Dawn and Tiffany were able to attend and proudly watched their mother marry the love of her life, Jay.  After Shelly passed, her daughter Shelly-Lynn said, “For everything you did for her and Jay, I truly thank you. Your gifts could not have been bestowed on a more deserving woman. She passed peacefully, as Shelly Lynn Ellison. Thank you for making that possible. And I hope everyone else you touch finds the same happiness my mom did.”

Shelly’s parents traveled in from Canada to walk their daughter down the aisle.

Shelly and Jay posed for many photos with their family and friends throughout the day, such as the one below, where you can see the love these people shared.

Butterflies gave Shelly peace towards the end of her life, and they were incorporated subtly into many parts of her wedding day.  Even her gown had a subtle butterfly motif embroidered into the hem.

The couple was whisked away in this beautiful limo provided by one of our wonderful Wish Granters.

Thank you to all those who made Shelly’s wedding wish come true.  RIP Shelly Sundstrom-Ellison.

Cool news!

As of today, June 1, 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding is proud to announce another amazing partnership, designed to help spread the word about our organization in the hopes of helping more couples in need.

Wishpot and Wish Upon a Wedding have teamed up in a mutually beneficial agreement,  that will potentially reach thousands of engaged couples across the nation.

Wishpot is a free online service that makes it easy to save all the products couples are shopping for in one place while enabling them to discover and share those fabulous finds with friends and family. It is today’s most popular online wedding registry site, due to its user-friendly setup and vast array of millions of products available from hundreds of stores.

How does Wishpot work?

Wishpot lets you add products from anywhere on the web with the easy to install Wishpot Button. You can share items and lists with friends and family and they can reserve items for purchase. Once an item on your list is reserved Wishpot re directs whoever is purchasing the item to the site the item was added from or the site with the most competitive price for the transaction.

How we plan to help each other

Wishpot and Wish Upon a Wedding plan to endorse one another in just a few of the following ways:

• Place each others’ logos and links in prominent locations on our websites
• Feature quarterly blog posts for each others’ sites
• Email blasts, Facebook and Twitter promotions

Additionally, Wishpot will provide registries for our Wish Recipients, and will feature Wish Recipient couples on the Wishpot wedding homepage in a widget, to facillitate donations to Wish Upon A Wedding.

We are really excited about this awesome new relationship and we would like to say “THANK YOU!” to the good people from this company who are so willing to help our couples and help ensure the success of Wish Upon a Wedding!

Find Wishpot on Facebook

New Program Allows Wedding Vendors to Easily Support Wish Upon a Wedding

Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, is asking for the support of wedding vendors and industry professionals. This new organization, dubbed “the Wedding Industry’s Charity”, provides weddings for individuals facing life-threatening illness, at destinations across the United States, regardless of sexual orientation.

By donating just 1% of any sale (or 1% of your profits from one event), you can help Wish Upon a Wedding grant these very special wishes. Participants will be recognized for their generosity with an I support the  Wishing Well badge.

Launched in January of this year, the organization now receives new wedding wish requests on a weekly basis. Currently lacking the funds needed to bring long distance families together, these special celebrations may often be missing something (or someone). One of the organization’s goals is to fly up to four family members or loved ones to the weddings of every Wish Recipient, so they can spend a few days with those who matter most. There are many other expenses that Wish Upon a Wedding would like to cover as well, but they need YOUR help.

Founder Liz Guthrie explains, “Many people facing life threatening illness do not have the money or resources to plan a wedding. At last, the wedding industry has joined forces- and together we are making some incredibly special wedding wishes come true, by providing the celebration of one of life’s biggest milestones.” Guthrie adds, “No matter what the setting, Wish Upon a Wedding wants to provide everything necessary for these individuals, including making sure they are surrounded by their most special family and friends.”
It’s really easy!  To participate, visit this link.

As a supporter of the Wishing Well, participants will receive a custom-designed badge for their blog or website, that lets their clients and peers know that they support “the Wedding Industry’s Charity”. For information on other ways to help Wish Upon a Wedding, please visit our website at www.wishuponawedding.org/how-to-help

Please feel free to cut and paste this information to use in your Blogs, and help us Spread the Wedding Wish Love!

CONTACT INFO
Founder, Liz Guthrie
cwo@wishuponawedding.org
{877} 305-WISH
www.wishuponawedding.org

May 27, 2010 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Tavern on the Lake 6996 Piazza Grande Ave, Orlando, FL
Give it up for Love
RSVP:   http://wuworlando.eventbrite.com/

• Seattle Launch Party:

May 27, 2010 7:00pm
Pravda Studios
1406 10th Ave
Seattle, WA

• St. Louis Launch Party:

June 16, 2010 Theme: Caribbean Chic   6:30-8:30 PM                                                                   Lumen Private Event Space

RSVP: http://wuwstllaunchparty.eventbrite.com/

• The Carolinas Launch Party:

June 24, 2010 6 :00pm
NoHo Studio – Charlotte
2130 North Tryon Street
Charotte, NC

• Houston Launch Party:

June 30, 2010 6:00pm-10:00pm
The Westin Galleria Houston
5060 West Alabama
Houston, TX

Wish Upon A Wedding, is the first ever nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, dedicated to providing weddings at destinations across the United States to terminally ill individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.

I am the Marketing Chair for the Southern California Chapter, and we held our launch party on April 22nd at the Fabulous Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach, CA. I am so proud and honored to be part of an such an amazing evening, and to help raise awareness for such an important cause. There were flat screens everywhere showing what we do and how people can get involved.

We are always looking for wish granters to join us in helping loving couples realize the wedding dreams. We also featured the most recent wedding Wish Upon A Wedding has granted  for Rehanna & Christian. The entire space was silent, as we were all moved to tears after watching there LOVE STORY ! Reminding us all why we became apart of such an amazing organization. There are over 15 chapters of WUW started already all over the nation and more are expected.

We are now in the  pre-planning phases for our Gala Event in November.

Here are some  photos from the night by Brian Khang Photographer.

Here is a list of the great vendors who took part in this evening.

Venue/CateringSeven-Degrees and Miscellaneous Catering The Fry Girl, Inc.

Favors Candee by Sandee
Cake and FavorsCake Goodness and Raise the Cake
Live EntertainmentBlue Skies Events
DJ/Sound Red Shoe Productions Gift Bag Favors  Sunshine Cakes and Catering Audio Visual/LightingDigital Sound Production Services {DPS}
Floral design Heavenly Blooms
Photography Brian Khang Photography and  OneLove Photography
Videography Imagique Cinema
BalloonsBalloon Divas
Gift Bags/National Sponsor www.getmarried.com
Linens www.designerspecialtylinens.com
Lounge Furniture www.loungeappeal.com
Entertainment {Caricature &/or Tarot Card/Psychic, etc.}   www.ronrubinevents.com
Printing Services {Programs & Fundraising Tags}  www.studioemp.com

Association of Bridal Consultants Named National Trade Association Partner for Wish Upon a Wedding

San Francisco, CA, April 29, 2010

The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) the oldest and largest training organization for wedding professionals in the world, announced today that it is the official trade association partner for Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first wedding wish granting organization.

Launched in January of 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization that provides weddings across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness. The Association of Bridal Consultants will work closely with Wish Upon a Wedding to help give the gift of a dream wedding to couples—often requiring vendors to be available to provide services within 72 hours of receiving a Wish application.

By relying on the generosity of wedding and hospitality vendors, known as Wish Granters, Wish Upon a Wedding is able to provide all the goods and services needed to produce these memorable occasions.

“As the world’s largest association of wedding professionals, ABC is proud to launch this partnership with Wish Upon a Wedding,” said David M. Wood, president of the Association of Bridal Consultants.”In a world with some questionable non-profits, Wish Upon a Wedding is a breath of fresh air created solely to provide special wedding wishes to deserving couples. ABC is honored to work closely with WUW, and to reach out to our talented ABC wedding coordinators and suppliers so engaged couples facing a terminal illness can still have their wedding dreams come true.”

With 15 chapters throughout the nation, lead by National President and ABC Master Bridal Consultant Sasha Souza, Wish Upon a Wedding is growing rapidly.  The organization plans to follow in the footsteps of the Association of Bridal Consultants, raising the level of professionalism in the industry, by asking only true professionals to donate their goods and services to the couples in need.

Unmarried couples who are over the age of 18, legal U.S. citizens, and where at least one individual has been diagnosed with having less than three years to live are eligible to apply for weddings. Applications are available on the website.

“When our Wish Granters volunteer to help make these wedding wishes come true, they experience a new highlight in their careers,” said ABC member Liz Guthrie, founder of Wish Upon a Wedding.  “Working together to create a profound event for the couple, the vendors form a unique bond and become fast friends, not only with the other Wish Granters, but with the couple receiving the wish and their families. Many Wish Granters describe the experience as life-changing.”

Wish Upon a Wedding encourages members of the Association of Bridal Consultants to sign up to become Wish Granters, and to check out the website for other ways they can become involved. Please visit  http://www.wishuponawedding.org and click on How to Help.   If interested in learning more about how to help and to make a contribution to Wish Upon a Wedding, visit http://wishuponawedding.org/how-to-help/make-a-contribution/.

About Wish Upon a Wedding
Wish Upon a Wedding is dedicated to granting weddings at destinations across the United States to couples who are facing terminal illness.  The foundation was created to celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. The hope is that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength.  Wish Upon a Wedding is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

About the Association of Bridal Consultants The Association of Bridal Consultants is the oldest and largest trade association serving wedding professionals worldwide.  Headquartered in Connecticut, the ABC has grown steadily since its inception in 1955 and currently has over 4,000 members located in all 50 states and in 27 countries (www.BridalAssn.com). The organization manages over 20,000 high-end weddings every year and all members are required to take continuing education and adhere to the ABC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of Membership.

Email cwo@wishuponawedding.org

877-305-WISH

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Shelly and James to be married on Sunday, May 2^nd, 2010

After 10 years together Shelly and James will be husband and wife on Sunday, May 2^nd, 2010.  It all started when Shelly became the caretaker of James when he was diagnosed with MS.  Shelly and James had always planned to be married but were waiting for their children to grow up.  Their relationship has always been a special one and they are the sweetest couple you could ever meet.  They’ve supported each other throughout the years and were planning their dream wedding to become husband and wife at a friend’s lakefront home on a rolling green lawn with the lake in the background.  During this time Shelly became ill herself and was diagnosed with Metastatic Lymphoma.

With the focus on getting married Shelly finds her strength in the quote “death to the cocoon brings life to the butterfly”.  Family and friends will be gathering at Sanders Mansion on Sunday, May 2^nd to witness this memorable wedding overlooking the Mill Pond in the Green River Valley west of Kent.  Shelly will be wearing a stunning white silk chiffon gown with an empire waistline with the hem embroidered with very subtle pastel flowers and butterflies with a matching veil and shoes.  James will be in a casual and simple jacket to reflect the scenic setting.  Family and friends will celebrate with the new couple by dining on classic comfort foods and enjoying a candy buffet in place of a wedding cake.

With the the strength and love of Shelly and James and the overwhelming support of the community this wedding will be nothing short of a fairytale.

Wish Upon a Wedding Seattle is proud to grant Shelly and James their dream wedding.  We couldn’t have done this without the following wish grantors:

Officiant:                                                             Linda Purdy

Wedding Planner:                                            Melody Davis of MGDavis Events

Florals:                                                                 Jaimie Cordero with Flourish

Additional Décor:                                             Fena Flowers (providing silk butterflies)

Linens:                                                                  Pedersen’s Rentals

Tenting/Draping:                                              AA Party Rentals

Wedding Programs:                                        Gayle with All About Weddings

Music/DJ:                                                            Leslie Wheatley of Seattle Parties

Photography:                                                    KCB Photography

Wedding Location:                                          Sanders Mansion

Caterer:                                                               Act 3 Catering

Hotel:                                                                    Sheraton Seattle

Wedding Cake:                                                                 Family to provide (candy buffet)

Makeup:                                                              Michael Bride

Hair Stylist:                                                          Desiree Cross

“I think Wish Upon a Wedding is absolutely amazing! There are so many “special couples” that deserve to have a wedding unlike any other. To know that so many top notch wedding professionals all over the nation are donating their time, services and energy to such a worthy cause, is outstanding! I personally plan to get involved this summer. I hope I too can be part of this very special organization.”

Jennifer Orsini, President and Creative Director of Pampered Bride Weddings

We are so happy to announce that the Chicago Chapter’s first wedding wish took place this weekend! You’ve read about Beth and Nick’s love story before, and now we are thrilled to say they are husband and wife.

The couple was married on Sunday, April 18th in the suburbs of Chicago. Beth loves cherry blossoms and since it coordinated so perfectly with the season, the flowers were incorporated throughout the wedding. The colors for the wedding were pink and moss green, and the cherry blossoms were included on the invitations, menu cards, cake, and real blossoms were gathered in bunches throughout the venue.

Beth chose a stylish birdcage veil for the day and carried a lovely bouquet full of pink and green blooms. She walked down the aisle to “Canon in D” and after a touching ceremony, the couple enjoyed a fabulous lunch with their guests hosted by Giovan’s Restaurant (one of their favorite places)!

The lush centerpieces of pink peonies, lilac and roses were housed in beautiful silver bowls that adorned each table. And, the sparkling cut crystal stemware and silver rimmed ivory china matched the theme perfectly. While Beth and Nick looked on from their sweetheart table the guests dined on homemade cavatelli pasta, grilled filet medallions, and chicken in a white wine sauce. After lunch the couple had their first dance to “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by Savage Garden, and then everyone enjoyed the adorable cherry blossom cake!

But most importantly, Beth and Nick were able to enjoy a day of celebration and love with their friends and family. As she told CBS news, “When you’re facing your own mortality, you realize how much more important it is to be with someone you love and people you care about,” said Beth, “and share your life with them, and let you know how much you care about them.”

Our sincere congratulations to Beth and Nick and a huge thank you to all who donated their time and services to make this wedding possible! For a full list of all the vendors involved, please see below. {All photos courtesy of Gerber + Scarpelli}

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Thank you to our Wish Granters for Beth and Nick’s Wedding

April 18, 2010 in Chicago, IL

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Officiant: Anita Weds, Anita Vaughan
DJ/Pianist: Bill Pollack Music, Bill Pollack
Wedding Consultant: Bliss Weddings and Events, Renny Pedersen
Floral and Event Design: Blumen Floral and Event Design, Amy Crum
Wedding Dress: Bridal Mansion of Lisle, Jane Skarosi
Transportation: Chicago Trolley Company
Rentals and Linens: Classic Party Rental, Sandy Sobczak
Invitations, Wedding Programs and Paper Products CW designs, Carol Woldhuis
Lighting: Frost Lighting, Samantha Steele
Photography: Gerber and Scarpelli Weddings, Kurt Gerber
Wedding Location and Food: Giovan’s Restaurant, Giovan Cullota
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Joliet, Rich Hattan
Videography: I Do Films, Lori Roche and Matt Buckman
Wedding Favors: Katherine Anne Confections, Katherine Anne Duncan
Tuxedo: Lorenzo’s Tuxedos, Vince Marrone
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth Chicago, Cheryl Bayma
Wedding Cake: Take the Cake, Mary Winslow
Wedding Rings: Takohl Jewelry, Tammy Kohl
Makeup: Starlight Makeup, Lillian Toma

All goods and services were generously donated by the vendors listed above! Thank you to our CHICAGO chapter Board of Directors and Congratulations Beth and Nick!!!

Their Love Story
CBS Nightly News Coverage Beth and Nick Get Married!

When we first heard from Christian that he wanted to marry his sweetheart, we were in awe of his positive and upbeat attitude.  After meeting he and his fiance, we were convinced that these are two of the nicest people we’ve ever met.  A very sweet couple who dated fourteen years ago, they ended up going separate ways.  As luck would have it, Rehanna found Christian on My Space and they were soon reunited.  Then in a flash, they were falling BACK in love, talking about marriage.

When Wish Upon a Wedding received his application, he was just weeks away from undergoing a kidney transplant, and was currently receiving dyalisis treatments three days a week, while fending off end stage renal failure.

It was clear how very much in love he was, and how important it was to him to make Rehanna his wife.  There was no question that we would make their wedding wishes come true, and we had just three weeks to do it.

Three weeks may sound quick to plan a wedding, but we actually secured all vendors, including the venue and the catering within two days!  When we asked Christian and Rehanna if they had a favorite venue, they immediately responded “1 Fort Mason“. 

All it took was one simple phone call to the 1 Fort Mason event coordinator Pat Swan, who just as instantly told us she would love to help Christian and Rehanna’s dreams come true.

Some of the bay area’s top wedding professionals joined forces to ensure that Christian and Rehanna would experience the perfect day, while surrounded by fifty of their most cherished friends and family.

The inspiration for design came from some photos provided by the bride to be.  She envisioned a blue and white color scheme, and lots of sparkles.  She sent a photo of the necklace she was going to wear, (gorgeous!) encrusted with shiny blue crystals.  The florist Leah from Flaxx Floral Design placed similar beautiful blue crystals in the center of the white calla lilies in her bouquet.  I happened to be standing there when Rehanna noticed this extra special touch for the first time, and saw tears of joy come to her eyes.  She later told me she has never in her life cried so much from sheer happiness. 

Her bouquet was made of white miniature calla lily, blue muscari ,white and blue hydrangea, white freesia, and white ecuadorian Polo roses. The stems were encircled in white satin and embellished with two crystal bands and accented with many blue pearl pins. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were similar but smaller, made of blue Hydrangea, blue Tweedia,white freesia,  and Polo Roses.

The ceremony was a rustic iron garden structure (donated by Greenworks) draped  in pale blue, gray and slate with cluster of flowers on four corners. The  flowers were predominately white with standard white Calla Lily, Polo roses, white dendrobium, orchids,trailing foliages. and Dogwood.

The fantastic escort card display was crafted from gorgeous white Dogwood branches spewing out of large glass cylinder vase with ribbons and little jewel holders for the cards.

The centerpieces were designed in white ceramic fluted bowls with blue and white Hydrangea, Polo roses, freesia, Tweedia,miniature  white calla lilies,dusty miller,Viburnum  geranium foliage. They were surrounded by crystal accented votive holders.

A cake that was as delicious as it was beautiful was donated by Marina Sousa of Just Cake, made to resemble an elegant quilting pattern.  The top of the cake was adorned with a completely hand made sugar flower bouquet.

The chairs had clusters of coordinating flowers on every other chair. The flower girls had petal baskets, and they wore  hand made hairgarlands with muscari, dendrobium orchids and baby white roses with blue and white ribbons streaming with blue crystal accents.   These are his two adorable daughters from a previous marriage.  They were so excited at the wedding, and I heard one of them delightfully exclaiming “Dady’s married! Daddy’s married!”  Then she and her twin ran up and gave him the biggest and most beautiful hug!  My heart melted!

Silver chivari chairs and blue moiree table linens from Hartmann Studios set the stage for the menu cards and table names provided by Marizette Paperie.  The guests danced the night away on a glimmering all white dance floor.

All the flowers were generously donated by Flaxx Floral Designs’ vendors at the San Francisco Flower Mart: Americana,Torchio, Highlite and one other that wishes to remain anonymous.  The beautiful embrodiered hankie is from L’il Inspirations,

After the wedding, I had the chance to speak to both Rehanna and Christian who were still floating on Cloud Nine.  Christian said,  ”All the vendors were amazing, and we still cannot believe that Wish Upon a Wedding did all of this for us.  To be able to marry Rehanna in such a beautiful setting was like a dream come true. We cannot thank you enough.”

Congratulations Christian and Rehanna, from all of us at Wish Upon a Wedding!

For a complete list of Wish Granters who made this WISH come true, please click here.

Christian and Rehanna Get Married!

Had it not been for Bus Route 93, Florence and Michael may never met.  As it happened, it was Florence’s regular route to get to and from work, and Michael was the handsome driver behind the wheel.

Michael noticed Florence right away, with her big eyes and beautiful smile.  He flirted as much as one can from the head of the bus, and Florence definitely thought he was cute.

After playing hard to get for quite some time, Florence finally gave Michael her phone number. He called her right away.  A bit more playing hard to get was all Florence could take.  She finally gave in, and accepted a date with him.

They headed to the beautiful San Francisco wharf, where they enjoyed getting to know each other, and where they began to fall in love.  One date was all it took, and Florence was hooked! They started dating exclusively, and life seemed perfect.

Later, when Florence was diagnosed with breast cancer, she thought Michael might leave. But he didn’t.  He stayed by her side, through chemotherapy and a double mastectomy.  His love for her grew stronger, and he soon asked for her hand in marriage, to which she happily replied, “Yes”.

Medical bills and doctor’s appointments got in the way of planning a wedding, until Wish Upon a Wedding came along.  Florence met her future wedding planner, Nastasha Verkest, at a Brides Against Breast Cancer Gown sale, (where BABC donated a gown to Florence upon hearing her story). Nastasha contacted Wish Upon a Wedding, and we began immediately planning the details of Florence and Michael’s wedding.

It wasn’t difficult to secure a fabulous team of wedding vendors to provide their services to  our first-ever wedding wish.

Soon, we had all the vendors in place, to give Florence and Michael the wedding of their dreams!  Surrounded by their family, friends and doctors and nurses, Florence and Michael celebrated their love in a very special ceremony, followed by an incredible party.

Anticipation filled the air, not only for the couple, but for the board members of Wish Upon a Wedding, too.  This was our very FIRST wish, and Florence and Michael will always hold a special place in our hearts.

As a surprise, her father flew in from Oklahoma to walk his daughter down the aisle, which they did so to a string quartet playing a special rendition of  At Last. Florence’s daughter stood by her side as one of her bridesmaids.  Dressed in pink, to honor the fight against breast cancer, the girls looked lovely.  Next to Michael stood Florence’s two boys, who Michael paid special tribute to during the ceremony, with a promise to always be there for them, and to always love and care for them.

With a starry night themed backdrop, and silver and pink accents flocking the ballroom, the Hilton Gardens ballroom was transformed into a magical reception site for the newlyweds’ reception.  Florence and Michael looked radiant as they hit the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife.

They enjoyed a three course catered meal, live entertainment, a DJ,  a photo booth, and all the other amenities that go into creating a beautiful wedding.

Most of all, Florence and Michael created beautiful memories for their loved ones to cherish for years to come.  Wish Upon a Wedding is proud to have been a part of this most special day, and we will forever hold Florence and Michael close to our hearts.

To learn more about what we provide, please visit our Weddings Page.

Lyrics to Florence’s Chosen Song, At Last

At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

Live Video Stream from Marry Me Live
Good Day Sacramento’s Coverage Florence and Michael Get Married!

Marry Me Live- Live Webcasting from The Wedding to Florence’s Family who could not attend

Good Day Sacramento Covered Our First Wish

Florence & Michael, March 13, 2010

“It is an honor and a blessing for me to be involved with Wish Upon a Wedding. Equally Wed, the nation’s premier same-sex wedding magazine, fully supports the organization’s mission to provide weddings to both straight and gay couples facing terminal illness. Love is universal, transcending disease and politics.”

Kirsten Palladino, Editor in Chief, Equally Wed magazine

“It is an honor and a blessing for me to be involved with Wish Upon a Wedding. Equally Wed, the nation’s premier same-sex wedding magazine, fully supports the organization’s mission to provide weddings to both straight and gay couples facing terminal illness. Love is universal, transcending disease and politics.”

—Kirsten Palladino, Editor in Chief, Equally Wed magazine

“It is an honor and a blessing for me to be involved with Wish Upon a Wedding. Equally Wed, the nation’s premier same-sex wedding magazine, fully supports the organization’s mission to provide weddings to both straight and gay couples facing terminal illness. Love is universal, transcending disease and politics.”

—Kirsten Palladino, Editor in Chief, Equally Wed magazine

Christian and Rehanna will become husband and wife, just days before Christian receives a kidney from his sister. Wish Upon a Wedding will be granting them their dream wedding at the historic 1 Fort Mason in San Francisco.

Engagement Photos

From Damion Hamilton Photography

Thank you Damion for these GORGEOUS pictures taken just days ago!

Thanks to Christian and Rehanna for sharing your special day with us…

Wish #2 will happen April 15th at 1 Fort Mason, in San Francisco, and the participating “wish granters” will be announced soon.  Do you remember Rehanna Hanif and Christian Steller, contestants in the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway?  They have applied for a wish from us, before Christian undergoes a kidney transplant next month.

In Rehanna’s own words, this is their Love Story:

We met about 13 years ago through friends.  We dated a while, but drifted apart when our lives went in different directions.  I’ve never forgotten Christian.  In December 2008 I found him again on MySpace (after almost 5 years of searching), we began a long distance phone relationship (I lived in Oregon at the time).  We planned to meet in March 2009, to see if the chemistry was still there . . . and it was! We’ve been completely inseparable since!  A few months later, we took a trip to the Stratosphere in Vegas (where we had our 1st trip together 13 yrs ago). While having dinner by the window, at the same Top of the World restaurant, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! After I stopped crying, I accepted and everyone began clapping.

A happy and lasting marriage doesn’t happen overnight.  There’s work and compromise that needs to be made in order for it to flourish and grow.  We both believe that honesty, trust, and open communication are key in this process.  Without honesty you cannot have trust, without trust you cannot have open communication.  Christian and I practice all of these qualities each and every day.  It is who we are as people.  Chemistry is a base on which to build.  Once you add these ingredients it gives your love a chance to bloom.

In 10 years we see ourselves happy and content.  Christian and I have talked about opening a little restaurant or deli.  Maybe here in Fremont but definitely somewhere in the bay area.  He is an amazing cook!  I can also cook but I bake much better.   We’ve been back together now for about a year.  In that time we’ve discussed many possibilities of what will be.  What we do know is . . . we will be together, supporting and loving one another.

Christian is the strongest person I have ever known.  For most people, to be diagnosed with Lupus at age 17, it would’ve been the beginning of the end.  Having to go to dialysis 3X a week, continual surgeries and long hospital stays are exhausting.  His strength helps him live each day to its fullest and be the best fiancé, father, and son that he can be despite the hardships he has endured.  His strength to carry on makes my love for him grow every day.  Rehanna is a very giving person.  She gives of her self whole-heartedly.  She visits with me at dialysis and makes sure I get home safely.  During surgeries/hospital stays she is there by my side.  She’s taken months off of work to help me with my recuperation afterwards.  She gives me love and makes me strong.

I’m a certified massage therapist.  Massage has been part of my life since I was a child.  I used to massage my dad’s feet and legs to relieve his arthritis pain.  I realized throughout the years that I had an ability to help people relax and heal.  In October of 2007 I began school for massage and now I love going to work everyday to help my clients live a healthier life.  Christian is a Senior Business Analyst.  He has always loved numbers, finance, and high tech.  After 8 years in the semiconductor field, he decided to switch to a diabetes management company.   People who have diabetes are usually faced with the possibility of being on dialysis sometime during their lives.  Since he is also on dialysis, here he feels is where he can help people the most.

In addition to losing both my parents, Christian  has suffered with kidney issues for 20 yrs. He was diagnosed with Lupus at age 17 & is now in the end stages of renal failure. He has dialysis 3x a week for 4 hours a day.  He deals with his illness very bravely and continues to make new strides everyday.  He is now in the process of testing for a kidney transplant from his sister.  She has selflessly offered to donate.  We are grateful.  As for me, my parents, normally, would’ve been there to pay for our wedding but, sadly, they have both been taken from me.  I have worked trough the loss and try to incorporate the memories of them in our lives each chance I get.

Wish Upon a Wedding is so pleased too announce that we’ll be making Christian and Rehanna’s wedding wishes come true in less than three weeks.

WISH UPON A WEDDING IS THE CHARITY OF CHOICE FOR GET MARRIED!

We are so incredibly happy to announce our partnership with Get Married Media.  It is an unparalleled union to support the mission of Wish Upon a Wedding, and starting today Wish Upon a Wedding will be the charity of choice & the National Media Partner for Get Married Media, Inc.

Get Married Media will increase the organization’s exposure both nationally and within local chapters on behalf of Wish Upon a Wedding by supporting the organization & the wish recipients! Get Married will provide ads in their quarterly magazine to raise awareness and we will be shooting PSAs for their weekly TV show on WE!

Wish Upon a Wedding will also be featured on the Get Married Blog on Stacie’s page.  And if that isn’t enough…they have agreed to consider features on our wedding wishes & videos shot by our wish granters including showcasing our wish recipients weddings on their TV show.

And there’s more!!  Get Married will also provide products for our launch parties and printed products branded for WUW for our events.

This partnership is so amazing; we could never have imagined it. Stacie Francombe and the entire Get Married Media family have worked so hard on our behalf, and this just goes to show that they truly believe in our cause and mission.  As America’s first non profit wedding wish granting organization, it’s important to us to have such great endorsements from the best of the best and Get Married does that for Wish Upon a Wedding.

Thank you so much to Get Married Media & Stacie Francombe for choosing Wish Upon a Wedding!

Wish Upon a Wedding’s Second Wish Recipients | April 18, 2010

Beth & Nick from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Beth and Nick first crossed paths over ten years ago, at a small party just outside Chicago.  It was Beth who first noticed Nick and looked on with admiration as he came to the defense of a fellow partygoer, who had unwittingly become the brunt of a practical joke.  She thought he must be a compassionate person to so quickly defend someone else and after they struck up a conversation that night, Nick asked Beth out on a date.

Despite a memorable first date that ended (quite literally) in fireworks, Beth and Nick spent the next few years dating only casually.  Their relationship was always a special one and the two were committed friends, but it wasn’t until they saw each other through some hard times that they realized they were meant to spend their lives together.  Beth and Nick talked in the abstract about one day getting married, even going as far as to pick out an engagement ring together, but there was no sense of urgency.

In December 2009 Beth, who is the manager of a 9-1-1 call center for a local police department, began having unusual symptoms that ultimately led to her diagnosis of urachal adenocarcinoma.  A few short weeks later, as she was about to undergo surgery to remove part of her bladder, her navel and several lymph nodes, Nick quietly returned to the jewelry store they had visited together and purchased the engagement ring.  That evening, Nick proposed.

Beth and Nick understand each other on a fundamental level, and they share an inspiring sense of humor.  They have each been a constant support system for the other, while coping through Beth’s diagnosis and subsequent treatments.  Beth says that, “Nick is there, even if just to hold my hand, rub my back, or suggest foods that fit into a liquid diet.”

When Beth’s Aunt heard about Wish Upon A Wedding through one of our own board members, she passed along the information to Beth and encouraged her to apply.  Next month, Beth and Nick will finally say “I do” and are most excited about spending a positive and uplifting day with their friends and family.  Beth emphasized that, “We want to put all illness out of our minds for this day, and share our joy and our love of LIFE with those who love us.”

“I am so honored and proud to be involved with the Wish upon a Wedding foundation nationally and in Atlanta.  This is one of the most rewarding and meaningful organizations that I will ever be involved in, personally and professionally, and I cannot wait to start granting wedding wishes.”

Stacie Francombe, President, Get Married

“Wish Upon a Wedding is truly an inspirational organization. The heartfelt mission of granting weddings to couples who are facing terminal illness is one of true compassion. It illustrates the depths of the human spirit. It is also a gift to the wedding industry as a whole as it provides an incredible opportunity for all of us in the market to get involved and give back to those in great need. Personally and professionally, I am humbled and in awe and of everyone behind Wish Upon a Wedding who took on this incredible initiative. It certainly takes a lot of hard work to bring a mission of this magnitude to life. This innovative and selfless organization will provide a legacy of inspiration for anyone involved. They are a shining example of how special the wedding industry is and why we should all feel fortunate to be a part of it. Hats off to the founders, executive board and dedicated wedding professionals around the country who are donating time, talent, heart and soul to make wedding dreams come true for couples in time of great sorrow and need.”

- Rebecca Grinnals, President, Engaging Concepts

In December 2009, as Wish Upon a Wedding was holding one of its first board meetings, we received the following fateful email from a wedding planner named Nastasha Verkest of Tave Weddings & Events.  After reading it, we all knew that Florence was about to receive our first Wedding Wish, and that both she AND Nastasha would forever be in the hearts of our organization.

“I am a Professional Bridal Consultant out of the Sacramento, CA area. I volunteered at a Charity Wedding Gown Sale for Making Memories this past summer. At that event, I had an opportunity to meet an amazing Bride named Florence that unfortunately has lost both of her breasts to cancer, and is now at stage 4 cancer. She came to the event basically to “window shop” for a dress (as she had been putting off her own nuptials for obvious medical and financial reasons). When the director of the event learned Florence had Breast Cancer; Making Memories immediately decided to donate a gown of her choice to her. I was so inspired and captivated by this phenomenal woman, that I donated my services to her free of charge.”

“Since then, I have been literally begging various vendors to help this very deserving Bride have not only a beautiful wedding, but create a wonderful memory for her family to cherish.”

“I am not looking to be in the limelight to promote my business. I would like nothing more than to see this very special Bride have the Wedding she so very well deserves.”

“In an ironic twist to things, I recently went in for a routine Well Woman Exam and was shocked with my own tumor discovery. I will be undergoing treatment and surgery on January 4, 2010. I am told I will be not be able to engage in my daily activities for a little while. Even though I am faced with my own health issues, I cannot bring myself to focus on much other than Florence’s Wedding. If there is anything you can do to help me give Florence and her Fiance` Michael a memorable Wedding, I would be more than grateful.”

The fact that Nastasha is now battling breast cancer as well, yet still has a heart of gold and wants nothing more than Florence’s happiness, makes this first Wedding Wish truly remarkable. We are grateful to Nastasha for introducing us to Florence Williams, our first Wish Recipient, who is now scheduled to be married on March 13, 2010.

Nastasha has joined Wish Upon a Wedding as the Wedding Planner for Florence, volunteering her time and services as our first ever Wish Granter.  She will oversee all the details of Florence and Michael’s wedding.  As the Wish Granter/Wedding Planner, Nastasha will work with a team of other Wish Granters to ensure that Florence and Michael’s wedding is nothing short of fabulous.

Together, the story of Florence and her Wish Granter Nastasha, set the stage for Wish Upon a Wedding, as the World’s First Nonprofit Wedding Wish Granting Organization.  Just because someone’s health has been compromised, their dream of one day being married to their true love does not have to be.

The images of Florence and Michael below were captured by one of our many generous Wish Granters, Stellasweet Photography, who will also be filming their wedding day.

Images from Stellasweet Photography

“I am so thankful that the Wish Upon A Wedding organization is committed to making dream weddings come true. I am amazed at all the talented professionals that are sharing their talents and gifts to help others. I am thrilled to support the group!”

Mary Dann-McNamee, MA Wedding Planner and Author

Hello!   Allow me to introduce myself.  I’m the founder, Liz Guthrie, but I really hope you’ll just call me Liz. I’m here to keep our supporters in the loop about our development, and hopefully answer any questions you may have.  There will be several volunteers writing about what’s happening at Wish Upon a Wedding all across the country, but I thought I would go first and break things in.

When the idea of Wish Upon a Wedding was born, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into. I just knew that I have always gotten great satisfaction from giving back to the community around me. I also knew that I wanted to create a way to make it easy for other people in the wedding industry to be able to give back, too. Honestly, when I first presented it in 2009 to some local industry leaders, I had no inkling they would so voraciously accept it, and then super-charge it to what it is quickly becoming. This has definitely been a whirlwind of a journey so far.  The support of and enthusiasm for this “little idea” about giving back has been overwhleming. 

Presidents: Sasha Souza: National  / Kevin Covey: LA & OC / Stella Inserra: NY

I knew the idea of wedding philanthropy had not yet been tried on this level or in this way.  Sure, there were several “Wedding Giveaways” going on around the country, including the yearly San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway I produce.  But I wanted MORE than that. I wanted more than just one couple to receive an incredible gift. So many couples out there need this, and so many more deserve it. 

How could I take a Wedding Giveaway idea and be able to give it to not ONE, but to hundreds of couples in need, from coast to coast?

My sister was visiting from out of town when I started playing with the idea. After a lot of late night conversation, she encouraged me to go for it, using my experience with the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway as a basis.  That contest idea created the backbone of how Wish Upon a Wedding would function. The plan was this: Gather several top notch wedding and hospitality vendors, ask them to donate their goods and services to a couple in need, and multiply that by hundreds of people. REPEAT that action for 18 different chapters over the course of two years, all across the United States, and we would be creating something totally unique, and totally awesome.  Wish Upon a Wedding quickly became America’s ONLY nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, and things have been full-speed-ahead ever since!

Of course, founding the organization as a  501 c 3 charitable nonprofit would be a necessity to our success.  In order to do that, there was a lot of research to do, mountains of paperwork to file, bylaws to write, and articles of incorporation to draft, but we were soon on our way. The creation of a 200 page constantly evolving handbook, a user-friendly website, and the development of five AMAZING Regional Chapters launched us into the world of WOW.  And Holy Cow—-  I still cannot believe we are really up and running!

But we could not do it without so many generous and dedicated individuals.

The wedding industry is an incredibly giving group of people, and they were ready to give something back.  I’ve heard from many vendors that this is the opportunity they’d been looking for.  They were waiting for something like this to come along.  The professionals who are signing up in droves to be Wish granters tell us that it’s the perfect way to give back, by offering what they know and do best!  What better way to participate in community service than by using the skills they have perfected, from their experience at the weddings they produce every weekend?

I want to THANK everyone who has joined our cause so far.  You are true pioneers, creating this wonderful organization TOGETHER as a team.  Every single Wish Granter who signs up to make a dream come true.  Every volunteer who donates their valuable time to help behind the scenes.  And all the dedicated Board Members across the nation.  Thank you for believing in us as the organization blossoms, as we create something incredible from what was nothing just months ago.

Thank you ALL for your amazing support!  Keep it coming and help us spread the word!!!

~Best Wishes~

~Liz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco, CA
January 27, 2010

Announcing America’s ONLY Wedding Wish Granting Organization

New nonprofit organization launches January 28, 2010, ready to grant Wedding Wishes across America!

Wish Upon a Wedding is the ONLY nonprofit organization of its kind in existence today. This brand new idea has created a sensation across the country, since the concept was first discussed among industry peers, in October of 2009.

Launching Thursday, Wish Upon a Wedding will produce weddings & civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States for individuals facing terminal illness. Couples residing in or wishing to get married within 300 miles of the following cities are eligible to apply for weddings: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York and Chicago. Couples must be over the age of 18, unmarried, legal citizens of the United States, where at least one individual has been diagnosed with having less than one year three years to live. Applications will be available on the website.

Founder Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants explains, “By giving the gift of a dream wedding, we will grant some of the most intimate moments of these people’s lives, and help them share these memories with their closest friends and family members.”

Guthrie adds, “Many people facing life threatening illness do not have the strength, money or resources to plan a wedding or civil union ceremony. At last, the wedding industry has found a way to make sure that everyone’s wedding wishes come true. The vows may take place right at the hospital bedside, or at a more elaborate venue. No matter what the setting, Wish Upon a Wedding will provide everything necessary for individuals to marry their soul mates, in heartfelt and thoughtful ceremonies.”

Wish Upon a Wedding believes these ceremonies will help other people facing similar situations find their own sense of strength and hope.

Wish Granters needed in all locations.

 
By calling on regional volunteers known as Wish Granters, the organization is able to provide all the goods and services required for complete wedding packages. Email volunteers@wishuponawedding.org if interested in becoming a Wish Granter.

Join us at the official Launch Party
January 28, 2010
6:30-9:30 PM
Villa Montalvo
Saratoga, CA
Come learn more about us!

Meet the Founding Board of Directors

First Five Chapters & Presidents
Northern California – President Sasha Souza
Orlando – President Elisa Delgardio
New York – President Stella Inserra
Chicago – President Ali Phillips
Southern California – President Kevin Covey

In 2002, Florence had moved from Oklahoma City to be with her mother in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving there, she decided to stay.

A few years later, in 2006 Florence was on her way to a birthday party, to hang out with her girlfriends. As usual, she waited for the Route 93 Bus. That evening, Michael the bus driver noticed Florence and began a conversation with her. Route 93 was his regular route, and Florence and Michael began to see more and more of each other.

He asked for her phone number, and eventually called her. After playing hard to get, Florence finally decided to answer the phone. For their first date, Michael asked Florence out to dinner in San Francisco. They ate dinner by the wharf, watching the boats come in and out of the bay, and they began to fall in love.

Michael told Florence he’d found his other half and wanted to be her husband.

When Florence was diagnosed with cancer, she worried Michael might leave. But he was always there for her, supporting her throughout the entire experience, including a double mastectomy.

Michael proposed to Florence by saying “I want to make you my wife” and “make our family official”. He let her know that no matter what happens, he loves her and wants to be with her unconditionally.

Wish Upon a Wedding is proud to grant Florence and Michael their wish of a very special wedding, which took place on March 13, 2010.