Words cannot express how incredibly honored I feel to be sharing this wonderful wedding with you today. Sent to us by the amazing Wish Upon a Wedding and captured by Jim Kennedy Photographers, these lovely San Clemente nuptials have literally filled my day, and heart, with joy. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Moya Moya, as well as suffering a stroke, Douglas, along with his gorgeous bride Lisa, set aside their wedding plans to start a family. And now, having been blessed with two beautiful children, this incredible couple was gifted with the wedding of their dreams. Every single detail, from the flowers to the venue to the favors, was donated by an amazing and generous set of California vendors (please see the entire list of these lovely vendors below), whose only goal was to make that dream come true. It was an incredible day, in so many ways, and we are so happy to be able to share it with you now! Congratulations to Douglas, Lisa and their family! We wish you all of the happiness in the world! You can see even more of the beautiful day in the gallery!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
And see more of the wonderful day captured by New Classic Films below!
The Wedding of Lisa & Doug – Wish Upon A Wedding from New Classic Films on Vimeo.
From Once Upon a Time Weddings & Special Events…In the fall of 1991, when Douglas and Lisa were first introduced through Lisa’s sister, neither of them knew they had “just met their future soul mate.” Eight years later, they were inseparable after a second meeting. In December, 2001, that journey found Douglas diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Nine short months later, he suffered a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his entire right side at the age of 28. It wasn’t long after the stroke that Douglas was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called Moya Moya that constricts blood flow to the brain. “Having been in and out of hospitals for the past decade, we never thought we would have the chance to get married because every time we begin to set a date or sit down and discuss plans, I would have another set back. So we decided to start our family instead because time was passing while we waited for the improbable. We were blessed with a daughter and then a son.” And now they are blessed with this wedding to “solidify their family.”
The entire wedding was completely donated by Orange County and Los Angeles wedding vendors through Wish Upon a Wedding, the world’s first nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing weddings and vow renewals for individuals facing a life-threatening illness and other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.
Venue: Bella Collina / Caterer: Jay’s Catering / Wedding Planner: Once Upon a Time Weddings & Special Events / Wedding Photographer: Jim Kennedy Photographers / Wedding Videographer: New Classic Films / Floral Design: Fantasy Floral / Officiant: Rich Anderson / Wedding Invitations: Paper and Thread / Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Sweet Fuss / Wedding Cakes: Sweet Gems / Photobooth: Shutterbooth / Favors: Dough a Deer / DJ: Vive Entertainment / Rentals: Fusion Linens / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Wedding Dress: Bonny Bridal / Hair Accessory: The Wedding Pantry / Groomsmen Attire: Friar Tux / Ring Bearer Pillow + Flower Girl Basket: Bella Bambino /Cake Stand: Raise the Cake / Veil Weights: The Pampered Bride / Calligraphy: Calligraphy Katrina / Hanky: L’il Inspirations
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This is such an amazing story, and so nice to see this loving couple get the wedding that they deserve. I think it's really easy for us to get caught up in all of the little "things" when planning a wedding, but this story reminds us all to look at the big picture and realize what's most important in life. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous day. Wishing you all the best!
aww. I am tearing up so much from this story. It's so sad and yet so sweet how much they love each other. I'm so glad they were blessed with 2 beautiful kids. There are some things in life that make you realize that there is more to life than a big wedding and that when you do have a wedding, it should mean so much and not be just a flashy affair. I love this story.
This wedding took my breath away. Just truly stunning. WUW is an organization close to my heart, so I'm thrilled you guys featured this one!
This post made my eyes fill up with tears. Thank you to all the vendors who lent all of their services to such make this couple's dream come true. THIS is what love is about :)
Beautiful cake! My fav part by far :)
I Love Wish Upon a Wedding Southern California and all they do. Lisa and Douglas are the most gracious couple and Jim Kennedy captured the day at Bella Collina so beautifully. Thank you for the feature!
What an amazing story. This is absolutely amazing. The way he looked at her through their vows, you could just tell he loves her beyond words. I definitely need a box or two of tissues after this. Thank you to all the vendors who made this possible, you're all so kind.
Wow. I got teary eyed reading this post. How precious! What a beautiful example of love and devotion. These are such strong and beautiful people! Thank you for sharing this touching and heart warming story.
As Chapter President of Wish Upon A Wedding Southern California I am honored that you have shared this wonderful heartfelt wedding on your site! This was a very deserving couple and Wish Upon A Wedding Orange County / Los Angeles were just thrilled how everything turned out and so thankful to everyone who donated to make this day so special!
God Bless the folks at Wish Upon A Wedding! This couple is beautiful and their strength and devotion to each other should be an inspiration to us all. Such a lovely wedding too!
awesome you can tell he's just soooo happy!
This tugged at my heart strings. So SO happy for this couple.
Beautiful Wedding, Beautiful Bride, Handsome Groom.
Amazing job done by Wish Upon a Wedding and vendors & I would love to see more!
I had such an amazing time working with Lisa & Doug. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with this beautiful couple. Their union reminds me that love is truly unconditional. =D. Thank you Doug & Lisa for allowing Sweet Fuss to be a part of your special day.
What a beautiful love story, and gorgeous wedding- especially loved the flowers! :)
This is the kind of wedding that reminds you about the truly important things. I wish them and their family the best!
Thank you for featuring what our organization does. We help couples facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. To find out more about Wish Upon a Wedding, please visit our website at http://www.wishuponawedding.org
We have over 20 chapters throughout the country making Wishes come true.
Thank you! Liz Guthrie, Founder
What a beautiful story, exquisite wedding and great organization.
Very sweet, thank you for your contribution.