An Arizona Wish

Wish

Mar 2

On March 27, 2022, Sheila and Tom gathered with loved ones to renew their vows on the gorgeous grounds of Nardini Manor.

Sheila and Tom have known each other since they were children growing up at the same summer family camp. They would see each other every year for a week but never thought of each other as a potential love interest. Sheila was 21 and Tom was 25, things changed. They were both back at family camp for another week and Sheila offered to drive Tom home at the end of the week. They hit it off immediately and were married just 6 months later. That was 31 years ago.

The couple went on to have three children. In 2006, when her youngest child was just 3, Sheila found a lump in her breast. She went in for a mammogram and was told that everything was fine. Six months later, however, the lump had grown considerably, forcing her doctor to perform a biopsy. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She underwent an aggressive treatment plan that included a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

In 2016, her cancer sadly metastasized to her skull and bones, 10 years after her initial diagnosis. Sheila underwent an incredibly complicated 15-hour craniectomy and continues to receive treatment, while battling fatigue and pain.

It was an honor to grant this beautiful couple a vow rewewal wish. We joined up Katie Dionne of Je T’aime Weddings and Events and were so touched by the gorgeous day that she planned.

From the bright, beautiful florals and succulents, to the delicious feast, adorable mobile mocktail station and extra fun bounce house, Sheila and Tom laughed with friends, exchanged the most touching vows and were toasted by loved ones. For Sheila, it was a day to forget about how hard the past few years had been, and to focus instead on the beautiful love story and she and Tom have been writing over the past three decades.