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
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Our best wishes and prayers. We are sad that we were not able to help this time because of a prior commitment to work. Let us know if there are any other dates that we can help.
This is a beautiful and heart breaking story. Thank you for sharing and granting this wonderful couple such a meaningful wish. I am continually amazed at the kindness and generosity of people. I hope all the people involved know how powerful this one deed is to this couple and beyond. My thoughts and prayers go out to Nastasha and Florence.