On December 14, 2021, Phil and Kathy gathered with their loved ones at The Mansion on Main Street to renew their vows and to celebrate their beautiful story.

Phil and Kathy first met in 2004. Their first date was on Mother’s Day at a restaurant called Miller’s Smorgaborg and lasted 12 hours! Needless-to-say, the two hit it off and immediately started dating. Within a short time, Kathy moved across town to be closer to Phil and the two were engaged by Christmas. They eloped in Vegas the following July 4.

In March of this year, Phil experienced a bowel blockage that sent him to the ER. It was then that he received devastating news. He had a large cancerous mass in his colon. Further testing revealed that the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. He immediately began an aggressive treatment schedule and continues battle on, often dealing with many awful side effects.

On December 14, 2021, Phil and Kathy will stand before their friends and loved ones to recommit their lives to one another in a touching vow renewal ceremony.

Phil and Kathy first met online in 2004. Their first date last for 12 hours and the two hit it off. They were engaged by Christmas and eloped in Vegas on July 4.

Throughout the years, Phil and Kathy have both struggled with a variety of health issues and have learned to lean on each other and see each other through very hard times. In March of this year, Phil experienced a bowel blockage that sent him to the ER. It was then that he received devastating news. He had a large cancerous mass in his colon. Phil immediately began an aggressive treatment schedule and is fighting hard for his health.

We’ve loved meeting this wonderful couple and can’t wait to make this wish happen for them.

One thing we’ve appreciated while reading through our #HOPE Campaign submissions has been the incredible creativity of our applicants. Of course, given the nature of the wedding industry, this makes perfect sense! Wedding professionals are born with the innate skill of making lemonade out of lemons. They work well under pressure and often asked to pivot on a dime.

Here’s a look at a few award winners who are thinking outside the box and truly making a difference:

Maria and Jason first met through a friend in 2004. They hit it off instantly and began seriously dating. Maria is Columbian and her visa unfortunately expired just three months into the couple’s relationship, forcing her to return to Columbia. The couple embarked on a long-distance relationship that lasted more than two years. Finally, Maria was granted a visa and moved back stateside to be near Jason. The two were married and began a life and a family together. 

In the beginning of 2015, Maria went in for her first mammogram. She had noticed a change in one of her breasts and was anxious to have it checked out. The scan revealed a mass and a biopsy confirmed the news that she had been dreading. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy in March of 2015, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.  The past spring, the cancer sadly metastasized to her lungs and liver. We’ve loved getting to know Maria and Jason and were thrilled to grant their wish for a vow renewal. 

Maria and Jason first met through a friend in 2004. They hit it off instantly and began seriously dating. Maria is Columbian and her visa unfortunately expired just three months into the couple’s relationship, forcing her to return to Columbia. The couple embarked on a long-distance relationship that lasted more than two years. Finally, Maria was granted a visa and moved back stateside to be near Jason. The two were married and began a life and a family together.

In the beginning of 2015, Maria went in for her first mammogram. She had noticed a change in one of her breasts and was anxious to have it checked out. The scan revealed a mass and a biopsy confirmed the news that she had been dreading. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy in March of 2015, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.  The past spring, the cancer sadly metastasized to her lungs and liver. We’ve loved getting to know Maria and Jason and cannot wait to grant their wish for a vow renewal.