Massachusetts Couple Facing Devastating Diagnosis Overwhelmed by Outpouring of Support from New England Wedding Vendors via Facebook Page "Let's Give Them A Wedding!"
Lexington, MA (PRWEB) December 25, 2013 -- Shannon Grant of Shannon Grant Photography in Plymouth, MA was hired to photograph Jennifer and Erick’s wedding but the wedding was cancelled for the most tragic of reasons: Erick received a diagnosis of terminal cancer on December 17. His doctors said he has between six months and one year to live. Immediately, they cancelled their scheduled August 2014 wedding and decided to get married as soon as possible, but they were facing a financial crunch.
Grant took matters into her own hands and put out a call to the wedding industry with this December 20 post on her Facebook wall: “My clients have canceled their wedding because the groom is terminally ill. All their $$$ is going towards hospital bills and enjoying the time with Jenn's little one before they break the news to him. I think that time they enjoy should also include an amazing wedding. I need your help.”
She created a Facebook page, “Let’s Give Them A Wedding!" Here is her first post: “Heart is breaking over this. I literally can't even imagine what this sweet couple is going thru right now. Please share their story (http://www.gofundme.com/5u403s)” and help them make this next year the best it can be."
The post continued: “(Jenn and Erick were) resigned to a quickie courthouse wedding (nothing wrong with that), but when she told me about it, I could just hear it in her voice. That dejected tone. The one that she didn't acknowledge because there are far more pressing matters to attend to. But, I heard it. It broke my heart. And want to help. I know, with every ounce of my being, that we can give them a lovely day/night just by offering up what we do best.”
The idea is to give them a January wedding. Within hours, offers of help started pouring in from wedding planners and coordinators to officiants, florists, valet parkers, hair and makeup artists, DJs, live musicians, stationers, bridal party attire, and caterers from all over New England. Photographers, videographers, and keepsake creators are stepping up to make sure the memories created at this most special event will be captured and treasured.
Grant posted a December 23rd status update on the Facebook page: “Let me preface this post with: WOW. The amount of support, well wishes, volunteers, and generosity shown to this couple is breathtaking…I spoke with Jenn and Erick on Friday and could hear the smiles on their faces. They are so grateful, so excited to have this wedding. I wish you could have been on that call - it was life changing."
Jenn herself posted: "I am so overcome with joy and complete gratitude! I don't know where to begin trying to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! I am going to take the time to contact you all in due time. I want to speak to everyone who has been so generous in donating time and talent. You're all amazing!"
Carol Colman of Carol Colman Collages is one of many volunteering in support of this special event. “It is no surprise to me to see so many people stepping up to offer their services. This demonstrates the true character of the wedding industry, and serves as a counterpoint to the recent unflattering portrait of the ‘bridal industrial complex’ in the New York Times. Wedding vendors are some of the most generous people on the planet and it is gratifying to see this demonstrated for these special people,” said Colman.
There is still time to donate in support of this couple. Visit http://www.gofundme.com/5u403s to make a financial donation. To offer services for the wedding, contact Shannon Grant Photography via the Facebook page: “Let’s Give Them A Wedding!”
Contact: Shannon Grant of Shannon Grant Photography at 774.454.1080 or Carol Colman of Carol Colman Collages at 617.803.0366.
About
Shannon Grant is a wedding and fashion photographer based in Boston/South Shore MA who specializes in creating fine art photographs for modern day romantics. Shannon is available for travel worldwide for weddings, editorial assignments and inspired portraiture commissions. Learn more at http://www.shannongrantphotography.com.
Carol Colman makes it effortless for trendsetting gift givers to wow their recipients with unforgettable personalized framed keepsake collages that connect them to the joyous emotions of their life milestones. Carol captures the spirit of events and the people being celebrated using invitations, photographs, and other memorabilia, showcasing them as works of art. Learn more at http://www.carolcolmancollages.com.
Carol Colman, Let's Give Them A Wedding!, https://www.facebook.com/events/683660425001239/, +1 (617) 803-0366, [email protected]
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