A love story that prevails beyond breast cancer in Chicago

Love Story

Jun 1

On June 6, 2019, Rachel and Alvie will stand before their nearest and dearest to profess their love for one another and renew their commitment to a marriage that has seen its fair share of struggle. This sweet couple’s story began in 2016 when they met at a local dive bar. They were both out with friends and couldn’t help but noticed each other above the crowd. Standing tall at 6’7 and 6’6’ respectively, Rachel and Alvie were immediately drawn to each other. Soon after, Alvie introduced himself, they chatted for a while and exchanged numbers. Two days later, he called her and the two have been inseparable ever since.

After dating for many years, Rachel and Alvie’s relationship experienced a major wakeup call. In 2013, Alvie had a brain aneurysm that ruptured and nearly took his life. After a long recovery, the couple became pregnant with their first child and decided that it was time to make it official. They were married in a small ceremony and began their life together as a family.

Just four years after saying “I do” and also celebrating the birth of their second child, Rachel began to experience some unexplained and troubling rib pain. She had been coughing for months and was having trouble carrying their young baby around. By March of the following year, the pain was so unbearable that she decided to have it checked out. Much to their dismay, the scans revealed an aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her bones.

Over the course of the past year, Rachel has undergone a variety of ongoing treatments, including hormone blockers, chemotherapy, radiation and laser treatments. She is trying her best to remain joyful and optimistic, all while battling her disease and caring for two young children. Through it all, Alvie has remained her rock and biggest cheerleader.

Wish Upon a Wedding has loved getting to know this lovely couple and cannot wait to grant their wish for a vow renewal. We enlisted the help of some incredible vendors and look forward to giving Rachel and Alvie a day they won’t soon forget.

Thanks in advance to this all-star team:

Wedding Planner: Nicole Fauls Maitland, Urban Allure Events

Venue/Catering: River Roast Chicago

Photographer: J. Brown Photography

Videographer: Hunter Floyd Films

DJ: Luniks Entertainment

Harpist: Yazz Jazz Entertainment

Baker: ECBG Cake Studio

Florist: Taylor & Co. Events

Linens: F & S Linens

Hair and Make-up:Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team

Calligraphy: South of North