October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month & A Dream Vow Renewal

From pink sports gear on the NFL field to the pink ribbon displayed around town, it’s hard to miss the fact that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And for Celebrations of Love, this month includes a very special Dream Vow Renewal for a lucky couple of mine.

On a cold day in January, after sharing a coffee and explaining my dream for them, we marked down October 17, 2015 as the big day for Britta and Chris’s Dream Vow Renewal.

This couple has been through so much. Over 15 years ago, during their engagement, Britta found out that she had breast cancer. This news is definitely not what a newly engaged couple wants to face during their wedding planning process. Even in the midst of scheduling meetings with venues and vendors around chemo treatments, Britta and Chris grew stronger and closer through their engagement and the chemotherapy. They were married on October 2000.

Britta is a fighter and made it through her battle with flying colors and with Chris supporting her every step of the way. Then, about five years ago, I moved in across the sidewalk from Britta and Chris and learned of their story—of how their engagement was hit with cancer and how they forged through the difficult time together, no matter what was thrown their way. My heart started to melt and it made me think about how I could create something really special for them with the help of my friends in the Kansas City wedding industry.

When I heard that their 15-year anniversary was coming up, I hopped into gear, dreaming up ideas to share with them on how to make this day extraordinary for them. Unfortunately, I got a call in the middle of my planning that Britta was going through chemo again and taking the option of a double mastectomy. Not only that, but the couple was going through a hard time with insurance companies and job loss.

I felt a mixture of sadness and confusion. But after a lot of prayers, I met Britta for coffee and shared my new plan: I wanted to gather my wedding friends together and have them donate what they could to make Britta and Chris’s 15-year anniversary celebration so, so amazing. About that same time, Britta found out that she was in remission and my heart began to jump for joy. We started putting all of the plans into full force!!!

Through all of these ups and downs, Britta and Chris are a true example of how it takes three to be a marriage—you, your spouse and God. There is no doubt that God is truly present and living through them to show other people what His love looks like.

I’m thrilled to share a few pictures from the planning journey and acknowledge all of the incredible wedding friends who donated their time, energy and love to Britta and Chris. A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to each of you!

Jason Domingues Photography – Couple's “Engagement” Session

Jolie Artistry – Britta's Couple “Engagement” Session Make-up

Little Yellow Leaf – Full Tailored Collection Invitations Suite

Jacob's Well – Ceremony Venue

Wilderness Clubhouse – Reception Venue

Icing on the Cake – Wedding Cake

Elite Sounds Entertainment – GOBO Light

Top Shelf – Two bartenders

Poppy and Clover – Reception Floral arrangements and Britta’s bridal bouquet/Chris's boutonniere/Bridal party Personals

Spencer Studios Photography – October 17th Vow Renewal Photography

One Block South Catering – Reception Food/Appetizers

Friend of Britta and Chris's – DJ/Emceeing

Amy Castro with Overland Park Ballroom – Couple Dance Lessons