Some days I have those moments, when I wonder if things will ever get easier. I wonder what it would be like to have 8 extra hours in the day, as the time seems to escape me. I wonder what it would be like to be someone else or to live somewhere else and to not have to worry about the everyday “dramas” (I’ll call them) and dream of escaping. I think we all have these days, the most stressful or anxiety filled, and I think that is part of the roller coaster called life. On those days, I often find myself taking a few deep breathes and asking the big guy upstairs if he can give me clarity or peace or patience. (Lots of patience.) And then I usually get a big dose of reality that follows soon after, and I pause and feel extremely grateful that I am in these shoes. This past Monday was one of those days where I was given the opportunity to photograph an event and to donate my time to a great cause. By doing so, not only did I meet some wonderful people, but I also gained a little bit of perspective that I so needed this week. Meet Joanne and Joe, the first wish recipients of the Wish Upon a Wedding Boston & New England chapter gift of a Boston-based wedding. The couple had just found out that they had been granted their wish, and they were being introduced to all of the industry vendors and volunteers at the official launch party. Here are a few photos to give you a sneak peek at the event…but keep scrolling because the videos have everything you’ll want to see!
Every tiny detail of this event was a donation of someone’s time or services. From the food and drinks, to the entire event space, event photos and video, decor and music, etc. All of this was for our deserving couple, Joanne and Joe, introduced in the photos above. Joanne (pictured in the black dress) is a breast cancer survivor, and currently a stage-4 lung cancer patient. Joe (pictured lovingly here with Joanne and her daughter) is her rock and has remained right by her side through this difficult time. Joanne has been hospitalized many times in the past 2 years, so planning their wedding has been a hard thing to tackle while she’s been busy fighting cancer. Thankfully, this incredible non-profit has chosen them as wish recipients this summer and will plan every detail of their big day! Watch the highlights of the event in this slideshow below.
iPad and Mobile ready show of Wish Upon a Wedding Boston & New England Launch from Afterglow Photos on Vimeo.
DL Video Productions played the same-day reel of Joanne and Joe’s story with reaction to the news, and they have since produced this incredible video of the launch party introducing the couple. I hope you will take a moment to watch the video and to think about the ways that you can find clarity or perspective in your life like I did that day. Maybe you can become a wish granter for Wish Upon a Wedding in your area, or maybe you know someone who would like to request a wedding wish? There are so many organizations worth joining and volunteering for, and all you have to do is find something that speaks to your heart. You can search for the one that is the best fit for you here, and I am so glad that I found this one.
Many thanks to all of the vendors who so generously donated their talents and time, and gave me beautiful details and moments to photograph!
xoxo Sarah
Wish Upon a Wedding provides weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation. Often, couples facing such situations do not have the energy, time, money, or resources needed to plan their wedding. The organization takes care of all the details, offering couples a chance to relax and enjoy a very special day while surrounded by the love of their closest family and friends. Wish Upon a Wedding is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization.
