Dozens of vendors donated more than $50,000 worth of services to make a terminally ill woman’s dream wedding come true.
Kristina Hamilton has Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that causes the body to produce tissue thicker than it should be. The incurable condition has already caused alterations to Hamilton’s bone structure, led to her losing teeth, developing lung problems and more medical issues. With the future uncertain and her vital organs under attack, Hamilton wasn’t sure if she’d see her wedding day.
On a whim last year, Hamilton applied to Wish Upon a Wedding, which grants weddings and vow renewals to couples experiencing terminal illness or life-altering health circumstances. To her surprise, she was selected. Thanks to the national nonprofit, Hamilton had an “unforgettable” wedding to Chris Swanson at Trinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope in Cocoa, Fla., on Sunday, April 6.
The wish was planned by Courtney Woolbright of I Do for You Wedding & Event Planning. She sourced local vendors who donated their time and talents to the wedding, which totaled more than $50,000, according to Florida Today.
“We want to thank Wish Upon a Wedding from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the most beautiful and unforgettable wedding day,” the couple tells PEOPLE. “Their kindness, generosity, and love gave us a gift we will cherish forever. What they do is more than planning weddings — they give people moments of pure joy, hope, and love, and we will never forget that.”
The bride, 42, and groom, 43 — who met through an online dating site in 2023 — exchanged vows in style. Hamilton evoked elegance in a strapless wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline. Her bouquet made up of blue and white roses and orchids from Crown of Flowers LLC matched Swanson’s blue suit from Aurora Bridal.
“Chris has been my rock through it all. His love and support inspire me every day,” Hamilton says.
After the short ceremony, the celebration continued into cocktail hour, which featured food from East Coast Shuckers. At the reception, the newlyweds and their nearly 50 guests danced to music spun by DJ Chemics, took pictures in a photo booth provided by 1,000 Words and enjoyed a meal from Renaissance Catering before eating slices of delicious wedding cake baked by Cynful Snacks & Cakes. They also sipped on mocktails from De-Booze Mobile Bartending and Pop & Pour.
The reception hall featured round tables decorated with white and blue linens provided by Chairs for Affairs and beautiful place settings from Mimosas & Moonshine Rentals.
The couple left their nuptials in a getaway car from Hot Rayz Limousines.
“Because of Wish Upon a Wedding, we’ve started this chapter with hearts full of love and hope,” the couple says.
Hamilton and Swanson, who have a combined seven children, are now taking life one day at a time.
“As we begin our journey together as husband and wife, Chris and I are focusing on building a life filled with purpose, strength, and family,” Hamilton says. “We’re raising my three amazing children and embracing the blessing of becoming a blended family with Chris’s four incredible kids. Together, we’re navigating life with love and gratitude.”
As for Hamilton’s medical journey, that’s one she approaches with a positive attitude.
“I continue to fight my battle with Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that has tested me in ways I never imagined—but it’s also strengthened my voice and spirit,” she says. “Our hope is to not only manage my health but to raise awareness, share our story, and one day contribute to finding a cure for others living with this disease.”
She continues, “We’re currently working on a book that shares my life journey, and I’ve launched a blog and Facebook page called Still Standing: Kristina’s Journey, where we’ll share our story, connect with others, and hopefully inspire people to hold onto hope no matter what they’re facing.”