Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for great wedding details. But when a vow renewal this special comes along, I’m completely and totally reminded of what really matters — the couple, the stories, the love. And thanks to the incredible angels behind Wish Upon a Wedding, Sarah, battling stage 4 breast cancer, and Colin, serving in the military, were able to mark their 10th anniversary with the celebration it SO deserved. Spend some time with this sweet, sweet family and their beautiful day brought to life by Laura Marie Duncan Photography right here.
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From the Bride…Colin and I first met when I was in high school but didn’t start dating seriously until two years later. We were married in 2002, and since he’s a member of the US Coast Guard we’ve lived in many different places around the country. After the birth of our second child I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and since then, 2008, our family has been through a lot. One of the hardest parts through all of this has been my lack of energy that prevents me from running around with my two young children, and having them see me in so much pain. We moved to Portsmouth, NH in 2011 to be closer to our families, and when a friend told me about Wish Upon a Wedding we thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary with our children, relatives, and friends. The prospect of creating happy memories with my son and daughter – dress shopping for a wedding and flower girl dress was a day neither of us will ever forget – was a dream come true, and I can’t thank Wish Upon a Wedding and the generous vendors who donated their products and services enough.
From Tammy Golson Events…To celebrate Sarah and Colin’s tenth wedding anniversary, the couple, thanks to Wish Upon a Wedding and a team of generous wedding professionals, renewed their wedding vows at Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye New Hampshire, in the company of their family, closest friends and, most importantly, their children. The organization grants wishes for couples facing serious illnesses. With Sarah’s long and brave battle with stage four breast cancer and Colin’s commitment to his career in the military, we couldn’t have found a couple or a family more deserving.
Colin, as a member of the Coast Guard, was assigned to various areas of the United States, so the family has called many places home, but for the past few years the family has lived in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is close to their loved ones. Colin, Sarah, and their kids drew inspiration from their seaside surroundings for the vow renewal. Sarah’s favorite flowers, blue hydrangeas and peonies, were interpreted abstractly by Liz, the owner of Someone Creative, who designed the invitations and ceremony programs, which became the design we based the day around. The couple’s love for their Celtic heritage was woven into the details of the day, from the sentiment of the ceremony created by Justice of the Peace, Sharon Curole, to the icing on their gluten-free dairy-free and delicious wedding cake baked and designed by Wild Orchid Bakery.
Note: Sarah and Colin’s 10th anniversary vow renewal was made possible by the New York chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding, who heard their incredibly compelling and special story when Sarah’s friend encouraged her to apply. Wish Upon a Wedding, a 501 c 3 not-for-profit organization supported by thousands of the country’s wedding professionals, grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal and serious illnesses. The organization has chapters in cities across the country. To apply for a wish or volunteer services, visit www.wishuponawedding.org
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Photography: Laura Marie Duncan Photography | Wedding Planning: Tammy Golson Events | Floral Design: Kate Parker Designs | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Wentworth by the Sea Country Club | Justice of the Peace: Sharon Curole | Gift Tree: Invitations by Ana | Love Story: Prequels | Rentals: Rentals Unlimited | Tents: Sperry Tents Seacoast | DJ: Music Man DJ Service | Gifts: Paloma’s Nest | Favors: Stonewall Kitchen | Transportation: Regal Limousine Service | Story of Us: Katie Fischer Design | Wedding Invitations: Someone Creative | Cinematography: Lucent Weddings | Video of the Couple’s Love Story: Meg Simone Wedding Films | Wedding Cake: Wild Orchid Baking | Hair and Makeup: The Wingate Salon & Spa | Bride’s Clutch: Merci New York | Dress Alterations: Rendy | Headpiece: Madeline’s Daughter | Earrings: Sara Gabriel | Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller | Groom’s Attire: Soiree Prom and Tux