Published: Friday, March 15, 2013, 12:01 a.m.
Nonprofit grants weddings to those facing hardship
Sign up for HeraldNet Headlines
Couples facing life-altering obstacles can get a free trip to the altar, plus a reception for 100 wedding guests.
A new nonprofit, Wish to Wed, grants matrimonial dreams to couples who otherwise might not be able to tie the knot.
"It is for couples facing a terminal illness or hardship," said co-founder Sarah Swanson, an Arlington wedding planner. "Everything is provided free."
All the key wedding vendors are lined up, ready to go.
There's only one thing missing.
"We're trying to find a couple," Swanson said, owner of EVENTful Moments.
She started Wish to Wed with Snohomish friends Tracy Stocker, owner of Hidden Meadows and Trail Side Wedding and Events, and Laineemeg Bridal shop owner Zerlinda Lochtie.
"Some people get discouraged," Swanson said. "Everything is so expensive, they just assume they can't have a wedding. There is hope."
The service will provide the gown, tux, venue, deejay, officiant, stylist, cake, caterer, photographer and flowers. Alcohol and honeymoon aren't included.
The wedding date is up to the couple.
"Sometimes you have to rush it," Swanson said. "We can pretty much throw it together in a week."
More time would be better. She'd like to find at least one couple to marry in 2014 to give them the full planning treatment.
The weddings can be at Stocker's venues or, if necessary, they'll host a wedding at a medical facility.
"Wherever it needs to be done, we'll make it happen," Swanson said.
It is open to adult couples of all genders, ages and afflictions.
"The priority are couples with terminal illness," Swanson said. Other situations will be considered.
Other Wish to Wed volunteers include: Formals & Frills; Otto-Matic Mobile Music; Flowers by Tiffany; Lady Yum; Simply Sweet Cupcakes; Mandy Stocker, officiant; Kaylee Eylander Photography; Salon Zuberenz; NW Makeup Artistry; and Rare Form Limousine.
A "Food, Booze & Bad Dance Moves" fundraiser will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. April 19 at Trail Side Wedding and Events, 511 Maple Ave, Snohomish. The cost is $40 for dinner and drinks.
The proceeds will go for start-up costs and extras, such as bridesmaid dresses.
"All of the money raised will go toward couples," Swanson said.
"We are ready for them. We just have to find them."
For more information, go to www.wishtowed.org.
Andrea Brown; 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com.
A new nonprofit, Wish to Wed, grants matrimonial dreams to couples who otherwise might not be able to tie the knot.
"It is for couples facing a terminal illness or hardship," said co-founder Sarah Swanson, an Arlington wedding planner. "Everything is provided free."
All the key wedding vendors are lined up, ready to go.
There's only one thing missing.
"We're trying to find a couple," Swanson said, owner of EVENTful Moments.
She started Wish to Wed with Snohomish friends Tracy Stocker, owner of Hidden Meadows and Trail Side Wedding and Events, and Laineemeg Bridal shop owner Zerlinda Lochtie.
"Some people get discouraged," Swanson said. "Everything is so expensive, they just assume they can't have a wedding. There is hope."
The service will provide the gown, tux, venue, deejay, officiant, stylist, cake, caterer, photographer and flowers. Alcohol and honeymoon aren't included.
The wedding date is up to the couple.
"Sometimes you have to rush it," Swanson said. "We can pretty much throw it together in a week."
More time would be better. She'd like to find at least one couple to marry in 2014 to give them the full planning treatment.
The weddings can be at Stocker's venues or, if necessary, they'll host a wedding at a medical facility.
"Wherever it needs to be done, we'll make it happen," Swanson said.
It is open to adult couples of all genders, ages and afflictions.
"The priority are couples with terminal illness," Swanson said. Other situations will be considered.
Other Wish to Wed volunteers include: Formals & Frills; Otto-Matic Mobile Music; Flowers by Tiffany; Lady Yum; Simply Sweet Cupcakes; Mandy Stocker, officiant; Kaylee Eylander Photography; Salon Zuberenz; NW Makeup Artistry; and Rare Form Limousine.
A "Food, Booze & Bad Dance Moves" fundraiser will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. April 19 at Trail Side Wedding and Events, 511 Maple Ave, Snohomish. The cost is $40 for dinner and drinks.
The proceeds will go for start-up costs and extras, such as bridesmaid dresses.
"All of the money raised will go toward couples," Swanson said.
"We are ready for them. We just have to find them."
For more information, go to www.wishtowed.org.
Andrea Brown; 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com.
Story tags » • Customs & Traditions • Arlington • Snohomish • Love Story
Comments
(
