An Oregon Love Story

Love Story

Nov 6

On November 7, 2019, JoAnn and Will will stand before their children, family and friends to renew their vows after 40 beautiful years of marriage.

JoAnn and Will first met when they were in high school. At the time, Will was a senior and JoAnn was a junior. She had asked to borrow a book of his and clearly had made quite an impression on him. When he came to reclaim the book, he decided to ask her out. The two started dating immediately and became very serious. On JoAnn’s 18th birthday, they ran off to Lake Tahoe and got married without telling any of their family or friends. That was 40 years ago this past April.

Throughout their decades together, JoAnn and Will’s love has continued to grow. They have spent their time raising three children, hiking, camping and enjoying family and friends. Throughout those years, JoAnn has battled a variety of health issues.

In 2012, a colonoscopy revealed a small cancerous tumor in her intestines. She underwent surgery to have the tumor removed but did not receive any further treatment. Unbeknownst to JoAnn, not all of the tumor was removed, and it continued to grow without anyone knowing it. Eventually the cancer metastasized to her lymph nodes. She underwent another surgery, followed by chemotherapy. In 2018, her cancer sadly spread again, this time to her lungs. She is currently undergoing more chemotherapy and is battling a tremendous amount of side effects, pain and fatigue.

We were so touched by JoAnn and Will’s story and by the incredible love that they have shared over all of these years. We teamed up with the lovely, Dawn Keeney of DXD Events and have been blown away by the all-star crew she has lined up for their wish.

Advanced praise and so many thanks to these fine folks:

Wish Granters:

Planner: DXD Events

Venue/Catering: The Village Green

Cake: Polly’s Cakes and Pastries

Floral: Patton’s Country Gardens

Stationery/Photography/Videography: Roman Studios

DJ: BMAC Productions

Beauty: Hairapy by Deb

Rentals: Parties To Go

Gown: David’s Bridal

Alterations: Moiks Alterations Boutique