As President of the Orlando Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding, I am thrilled to share this exciting news!

Six-month old nonprofit organization Wish Upon a Wedding announced on July 22, 2010 that it will broaden its scope of services, in order to assist more couples in need. Although its primary focus continues to provide weddings for terminally ill individuals regardless of sexual orientation, the organization will soon help those faced with other personal burdens, such as serious emotional, physical or other debilitating issues.

Due to a significant number of requests, Wish Upon a Wedding will now provide a limited number of weddings to inspirational couples that have experienced these catastrophic life-altering circumstances.

Additionally, Wish Upon a Wedding was featured in this wonderful Today Show article

Wish Upon a Wedding is now accepting applications from:

* Couples where at least one individual has terminal diagnosis of less than FIVE years to live

* Couples faced with situations that have caused serious emotional, physical or financial stress (approved on case by case basis)

* Married couples seeking vow renewals, who have faced serious life-altering circumstances including but not limited to terminal illness (approved on a case by case basis)

All applicants must be over the age of 18 and legal U.S. Citizens

Mission Statement:
Wish Upon a Wedding is the world’s first nonprofit wish granting organization, providing weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and life altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.

To fill out an application, click this link: Apply for a Wedding Wish

To get involved locally see my post on Upcoming Events! To find the chapter nearest to you, please click here: Chapters

Donations: We are able to take wish granters, airline miles, cash donations, auction donations on our website http://www.wishuponawedding.org – under the tab “how to help” you’ll find listed many ways you can get involved.

Please help us get the news out by forwarding this post via Facebook or Twitter: We are ready to grant wishes today throughout Florida and beyond!

What is it about weddings that keeps you coming back, wedding after wedding?

“It’s truly a combination of things.  A big part of it is that I enjoy the magic of the day: I get to watch families make memories and share joy, and I’m instrumental to creating those experiences.

(c) marc harmon

There is also the creative aspect. Planning and designing weddings is my art form.  The event – while largely a collaborative effort – showcases my talents while reflecting the style and personality of the couple.

It’s exhilarating to create  experiences that can be appreciated and cherished by others – especially when I am so connected to them.   A wedding is a milestone event: it’s exciting, nerve-wracking  and gratifying all at the same time – like watching your child walk for the first time.

I would also have to confess to being an adrenaline junkie. There are unique challenges to this type of work – no two weddings are alike and try as I might, I can’t guarantee that things will go as planned. I never know what situation may arise and yet I know everyone is counting on me to handle it – that makes for some pretty interesting days.”

~ Elisa Delgardio, CSEP PBC | A Flair for Affairs, Orlando FL

Q & A with Wedding Planners as seen in Orlando Wedding Magazine

Orlando Wedding 2010

The debut issue of Orlando Wedding magazine is absolutely enchanting! I would even go so far as to declare it a ‘must read’ for engaged couples in Central Florida!

Among many terrific articles and features was “Q & A with Wedding Planners” by Megan VanWaus.  Not only was I delighted to be quoted in Megan’s piece, I was elated to be featured alongside fellow Association of Bridal Consultants members Kerline Docteur (Joie de Vie Weddings and Events) and Heather Snively (Weddings Unique). I’m proud to share a common bond with these ladies:  Heather and I are both Senior ABC members, and Kerline and I regularly work together on  ABC meetings and projects geared toward educating local association members and wedding professionals.

Good things come in threes they say, and in this case I certainly agree!

Cara and Jared’s wedding at Mission Inn Resort as featured in Orlando Wedding magazine.

Congratulations to Cara & Jared, our newlyweds whose wedding is featured in the premiere issue of Orlando Wedding magazine!

They were wed in January at Mission Inn Resort – which was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and elegant wedding.  Cara’s vision centered on old world elegance that was glamorous and graceful.  From candles to crystals, and cigars to candy bars – this wedding was an enchanting affair! They even had a sparkler exit! One of my favorite things about this wedding was how they incorporated so many family photos into the reception decor; that was a special touch that really enhanced the nostalgic feel of the evening.

Of course there was also a fabulous vendor team working behind the scenes to make ensure that the day progressed smoothly and that everyone enjoyed a stellar evening. Thanks and applause go to:

Mission Inn Resort & Club – Ceremony & Reception Venue
A Flair for Affairs – Planning and Coordination
Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations - Floral and Decor
Brian Adams – Photography
Cakes by Design – Wedding Cake
Entertainment Concepts – DJ, A/V, Lighting

(c)A Flair for Affairs