Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit that grants weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or serious life-altering circumstances. The goal is simple and profound: a day free from worry, filled with love, and surrounded by the people who matter most.
Wish Upon a Wedding exists to grant weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or life-altering health
circumstances. The nonprofit helps couples alleviate the financial burden and time commitment that planning a wedding entails, focusing instead on dealing with their treatments and spending time with their loved ones. It's their goal to provide a day for their couples that is free from the worry of their disease and that is filled with love and light - and one that they did not have to stress about!
A terminal diagnosis changes everything. The financial weight of treatment. The emotional toll of uncertainty. The feeling that celebration has no place in the middle of it all.
Wish Upon a Wedding says otherwise. These days don't just create memories — they create moments of pure joy at the time when hope is needed most.
Explore the touching stories below that were only made possible by the dedication of Wish Upon a Wedding, the vendors who volunteer their time and service, and people like you who simply believe in the importance of celebrating love — without exception.
Kristina and Antoine first met in high school through Antoine’s cousin. What began as a simple friendship blossomed into a deep connection that carried them through life’s many ups and downs before eventually turning into love.
They married in 2015, shortly after Kristina was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She faced treatment with remarkable strength and was overjoyed to be declared cancer-free. Nearly a decade later, their love is being tested once again as Kristina bravely battles a rare sarcoma. Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Kristina continues to meet each day with courage and grace.
For years, Kristina and Antoine dreamed of renewing their vows and celebrating the life and love they’ve built together, especially in front of their children.
Wish Upon a Wedding made their dream come true on October 26, 2025, in Saint Joseph, MO, giving them a day filled with laughter, love, and a joyful escape from the difficult realities of cancer.
Wedding Planning + Design: @theperfecttouchkc Wedding Dress: @bridalbyshl Venue: @uskcevents Catering: @brancatorcatering Saxophonist: @twiceonsundayband Dessert: @katesmithsoiree Live Painter: @libbyrulepaints Photography: @haileyrosephotos Videographer: @aarondatufilms Violinist: @violettastringsmusic DJ: @iconeventgroupkc Groom's Attire: @toddsclothiers Florals: @lilyfloralcollective Video Guest Book: @lumeneventskansascity Rentals: @lelucilighting @supplyevent Hair: @hairdonebyalona Makeup: @lovelybeautykc
In January of 2020, Sara traveled to Rome, where she heard a local saying that if you toss coins over your shoulder, you’ll find love. Four weeks later, that superstition came true. Back home in Chicago, she met Ramiro at one of her favorite restaurants, where he happened to be filling in as a manager. They hit it off instantly and began dating soon after.
Their love grew quickly and deeply. Three years later, they were engaged and spent the next year planning their wedding, buying a home, and dreaming about their beautiful future ahead. But just weeks before their wedding, their world turned upside down. Sara was diagnosed with breast cancer that had spread to her liver and lungs. She began treatment immediately, and the night before her wedding, she bravely shaved her head.
Despite the relentless physical and emotional toll of treatment, Sara has remained strong, radiant, and full of hope.
In Sara’s own words:
“Our vow renewal wasn’t just a beautiful day, it was a moment of healing, hope, and love that we’ll carry forever. You gave us something we didn’t even know we needed: a chance to celebrate life in the middle of a storm.”
The nonprofit granted Sara and Ramiro’s wish for a vow renewal on October 19th in Chicago, IL — a day that reflected their incredible love and resilience.
Wedding Planning + Design: @sustainablesoirees Photography: @allieidrac Photo Booth: @bespokeflipbooks DJ Services: @luniksentertainment Venue: @wildmanbt Wedding Dress: @sewbridalchicago Live Painter: @jaimeelainedesigns Catering: @fftchicago Desserts: @sweetsbykash21 Florals: @flowersfordreams Rentals: @hallsrental Videographer: @katiedoylefilms Water Fountain: @kehoedesigns Stationery: @ericksondesignchicago Drink Truck: @drinksonlavenderhill Hair + Makeup: @bridalartistryteam Linens: @nuagedesignsinc Groom's Attire: @generationtux Stationery: @mintedweddings
Shakease and Rob met at her mosque in 2022. She had never seen him before, but something about him caught her attention, and she reached out on social media to get to know him. They began talking and soon entered into a formal courtship. After just four months, they were married in a small ceremony at a local park. Shakease brought three children into the relationship, and together, the couple soon welcomed two more, blending their families into one full of love.
This past March, Rob began experiencing significant stomach issues. What was expected to be a routine gallbladder removal surgery turned into devastating news when doctors discovered his abdomen was filled with tumors. He was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma and began immediate treatment. Despite aggressive chemotherapy, Rob’s condition has continued to worsen, and the family has endured many incredibly difficult days.
The organization was deeply touched by Shakease and Rob’s story and was thrilled to grant their wish for a beautiful vow renewal, surrounded by their children and loved ones. It was a day to celebrate their love, their family, and the strength they continue to show in the face of so much uncertainty.
Wedding Planning + Design: @larueevents Venue: @historickingmansion Bridal Makeup: @makeupbyroxy Wedding Cake: @patriciaanncakes Photography: @ellestudios Videography: @nefilmco Content Creator: Social Spark by Betsy Stationery + Paper Goods: @persnicketyinc Catering: @tfbcatering Rentals: @a_to_z_event_rentals Typewriter Poetry: @tpyewriterpoets DJ: @klockentertainment Seating Chart: @bycatherinealexandra Florals: @sarahsfloraldesigns Live Painter: @bodaryart Violin Duo: @elysiumquartet Stationery: @mintedweddings Linens: @nuagedesigns Groom's Attire: @generationtux
Lynda and David met nearly 40 years ago at a young adults’ group at church. They quickly hit it off and began dating, and a year and a half later, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two children and later welcoming four precious grandchildren.
In 2019, Lynda was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Just as she approached the five-year mark, a milestone of hope, the cancer returned and metastasized to her liver and bones.
Now back in treatment, Lynda continues to face each day with grace and courage, even through the constant pain and fatigue that come with her illness.
Thanks to Wish Upon a Wedding, Lynda and David’s wish for a vow renewal after 37 years of marriage came true. It was a day filled with love, faith, and gratitude, as they stood before their children and grandchildren, a living testament to enduring devotion across decades, through sickness and health.
Wedding Planning + Design + Rentals: @unfoldingeventsco Venue: @thedepotseward Videography: @heartandlightcompany Florals: @petalcollectiveomaha Photography: @laurendenisephotography Dessert: @sweetmagnoliasbakeshop Catering: @cleanslatefoodco Photo Booth: @fotofunspot DJ: @imageentertainment Makeup: @bareglambydee Rentals: @foldedeventrentals Stationery: @mintedweddings Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Jordan and Summer met three years ago through a mutual friend in a twenty-somethings group Jordan was part of. Although they lived in different cities, they FaceTimed every day, quickly falling in love as they got to know one another. When Summer came to visit for Jordan’s birthday, she never left, and from that moment on, they began building their life together.
The two became engaged and started planning their future, but everything changed after they were involved in a serious car accident. Summer suffered significant injuries and underwent a brain scan, which unexpectedly revealed a mass deep in her brain. At the time, doctors were not overly concerned and chose to monitor it closely. Wanting to move forward with their lives, Jordan and Summer decided to elope at the courthouse and officially begin their journey as husband and wife.
Then, last year, Summer began experiencing frequent concussions. Another scan revealed that the tumor had grown significantly. She was ultimately diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to her brain. Despite never having smoked and being so young, Summer’s cancer is extremely rare. She is currently undergoing treatment and facing tremendous physical and emotional challenges.
Wish Upon a Wedding heard Jordan and Summer’s moving story and helped give them the wedding they had always dreamed of. Summer has endured so much in such a short time and was able to have a day where the focus could be on love and joy, not doctor’s appointments and treatments.
Wedding Planning + Design: @marriedbymar Venue: @delfaverooasis Photography: @lovelikewild.co Catering: @pastachefcatering Baker: @gourmetgoodieswinterhaven Saxophonist: @samonsax_ DJ: @graingertainment Hair + Makeup: @amairanymua Audio Guest Book: Brooke & Co Wedding Dress: @satinandlacebridalboutique Marquee Letters: @brightsbyz Sunless Tanning: @tantrumtans_ Wedding Favors: @thetreasuredolive Wedding Nails: @simply.polished.by.emma Mocktails: @raineandco_ Live Painting: @keepsakestudio_live Content Creation + Photo Booth: @feliceventsllc Videography: @yourweddingdayfilm Transportation: @garcias_events_and_limos Signage: @craftedcouture.design Chair Rentals: @southernchairs Dance Floor: @celerations24 Bridal Bouquet + Boutonnieres: @wallflowerevents.co Ice Cream: @norabsicecream Florals: @foreversilkflorals Alterations: @evasbridalalterations Tattoo Artist: @law_swagflu Hair Cut + Color: @goldbirdhair.hannah Groom's Attire: @generationtux
