If you saw this post on Instagram you might’ve seen that I volunteered with Wish Upon a Wedding last month. Wish Upon a Wedding grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing serious illness or a life-altering circumstance and they reached out to me a couple of months ago to see if I would be available to photograph Kristina and Joe’s upcoming vow renewal. Kristina and Joe were married five years ago, and just two years into their marriage Joe was diagnosed with cancer. You can read their full story here.

As busy as this season has been, it just so happened I was free on the day of Kristina and Joe’s vow renewal so I volunteered to photograph this couple’s special day. It was such an honor to capture the day for these two and their families. Not only do I know the images I captured will be forever cherished, but it was so special to witness the love Kristina and Joe have for each other.

Out of all the love stories I’ve had the honor of capturing over the last ten years, this one will forever stand out. Maybe it’s because Joe and Kristina’s love has survived so many challenges… or because of the way he looks at her… or because it reminds me of my own parents’ battle with cancer years ago. One thing is certain: love stories like this one deserve to be celebrated. Here’s a recap of this amazing day along with photos of the vendors who made it possible.

Wish Upon a Wedding Recap

When I arrived that day to the hosting venue, Crystal Plaza, I immediately met with the venue coordinator and the wedding planning team from K David Events. These ladies worked so hard to put this event together and it was thanks to them that everything turned out so lovely for Kristina and Joe.

As soon as I got to the bridal suite, Kristina had her special items ready for me to photograph, including a beautiful invitation by Sweet Ideas by Sue and a colorful bouquet by Bloomery Flower Studio.

Kristina had already gotten her hair done and was getting her makeup done by Michelle Renee Beauty.

Meanwhile, her sister was getting her hair done by Melanie Walode.

Kristina enjoyed being pampered and then was ready to get dressed for the first look!

Meanwhile, Joe was getting ready in the suite next door. I love the ring security they had put aside for their nephew to carry their wedding bands in:

I then got to meet Joe, who was getting dressed with his brother. Joe was so friendly and upbeat! He was so happy to be seeing his friends and family and even more excited to be saying “I do” to Kristina again after five years of marriage.

Once he was ready, we headed outside for Joe to see Kristina for the first time that day.

After Kristina and Joe’s first look, we headed back inside to get ready for the ceremony. The officiant was Debra Walker from Marry Me Ceremony.

After an emotional and heartwarming ceremony, Kristina and Joe got to see the elegant ballroom where the celebration would take place:

We Knead the Dough Cookies provided the cake!

I then met the DJ and MC for the night from Craig Scott Entertainment:

Once the party got started, there was lots of dancing and the vibe was so joyful!

My favorite moment of the day was when Joe made the tremendous effort of getting up out of his wheelchair to dance with Kristina. He had been working hard at rehab to reach this goal and with the help of his loved ones, he did it!

It was truly a pleasure helping to document this big day. Below are the photo / video team! On the left, Wedding X Events – Media X Marketing, and on the right, my assistant for the day, also Alex, and me!

A big thank you to K David Events for inviting me to be a part of this special day!

 

To learn more about this organization or make a donation please visit the Wish Upon a Wedding website.