Their Story…

When we first heard about the Win a Dream Wedding contest it was hard for us to imagine just how much of an impact winning could make for ourselves and our families. It was only after we started planning the personal touches that create the memories, did we realize just how much was involved. We knew there was no better way to celebrate than to share the day with our family and friends who have influenced the couple we have become. However, in our case, family and friends happen to be a fairly large amount of people. With two sets of parents, grandparents, three siblings, 49 aunts and uncles, and 44 first cousins, bear in mind that we have not yet included our friends. Immediately, we started listing the sacrifices we were willing to make to enable sharing the day with everyone who plays such important role in our lives. It was only then did we realize what our Dream Wedding could mean, not only for us but for all those who care about our happiness.

Our story begins much like any other fairy tale, with our first date jitters, and nervous excitement that ultimately ended with Bill slamming the car door on his thumb while walking me to my doorstep. Not only was his thumb throbbing and bleeding in his pocket, but he managed to say goodnight without me knowing any of this had happened, and people say that chivalry is dead!

All in all, for a first date I thought the night was a success until we were walking up to my doorstep and I noticed the look of panic streak across Bill’s face, as if he wanted to run back to the safety of his car. Despite this, he was a gentleman, telling me he had a great time, and he would call me again soon. He had successfully hidden his injury and quickly escaped to nurse his crushed thumb and ego. Meanwhile I settled down to sleep that night feeling as though this was the man I was destined to marry. In retrospect, it was apparent from our first date that not even a crushed thumb could distract him from ensuring my happiness.  I wish I could say that our second date was less painful, but thanks to Bills roommate’s late fees at Blockbuster, it cost Bill $80 to rent us a movie that night. Luckily for us the third time is a charm, even those hurdles in our beginning together could not stop us from developing our relationship.

The past few years we have continued to grow with each new ‘bump in the road’, one of most exciting challenges being the birth of our son Ethan. Waking up to his smile each morning encourages us to always be our best, supporting each other and being an example for our son. Each new day continues to strengthen our bond as we explore parenthood. We have learned to laugh and cry, nurse and support each other, and never lose sight of what truly matters most. We are blessed with very supportive family and friends who have encouraged our journey towards marriage, and will continue to support us for the rest of our lives. For Bill and I, sharing our wedding day with them is just as important to us as saying “I DO”. Although we are excited with planning the details, we hope to enjoy our engagement phase. Winning this contest would allow us to create the perfect setting to celebrate, rather than the stress of which sacrifices need to be made to incorporate the people and things that truly matter most.

When we come together down the aisle that day, we hope to cherish the memories of laughter, love, joys and tears that have molded our two lives into one. It is difficult for us to claim that we are any more deserving than the other finalists, however, this truly would make our Dream Wedding possible on so many levels. We will remain focused on why we are on this journey together, to wake up each morning as husband and wife. We hope to look back many years from now, and be as much in love then as we are today, tomorrow and will be on our wedding day.