Giving Back - How a Community Wedding brings out the Best

Things just work out for a reason - as hard as that is to sometimes believe, it is completely true.  About a year ago, I had an idea to donate an entire wedding with the help of the amazing wedding professionals I am fortunate enough to work with here in Sarasota.  It didn't pan out due to timing and a few other road blocks - but now I see why.  

I got a call one day, asking if I wanted to bring this idea back to life - of course I did and I learned it would be kicked off with an on stage proposal at a The Young Guns of Country Concert in just a few short days!  I got to work - started making calls and as I suspected everyone was on board to donate their time and talents to make not only the proposal, but the couple's dream wedding come to life!  Take a look below to get some details from "Tell Me Something Good" on SNN6!

The proposal was a COMPLETE surprise to the bride, when her groom got down on one knee - she was shaking with excitement and disbelief.  She of course, said "YES!" 

The ring is a unique reflection of the bride - a Princess Cut Rose Gold solitaire courtesy of Diamond Vault.  It was the perfect choice, as Karrie takes every chance she get's to show it off!

So who are the lucky bride and groom you ask?  Karrie is a Navy Veteran who now works for Goodwill Manasota as their Veteran Ambassador.  She spends her days working with homeless veterans in our community, trying to get them back on their feet.  Karrie and Nathan have been together for quite some time, but with Karrie in school full time and having a hard time making ends meet - they just couldn't afford a wedding.  

Thanks to the generosity of the wedding professionals involved - the wedding date is set for March 19, 2017 at the Rafter J Ranch Barn in Parrish, FL - a new custom built barn that is just the perfect fit for their shabby chic country vision.  All the vendors are in place and their intimate country wedding is on it's way to being a reality!  

I am truly blessed to love what I do, and do what I love with an extremely talented and giving community of wedding professionals - without their kindness and generosity this spectacular wedding would still just be a dream!

For the full story, and to hear what Katelyn Prisco (Katelyn Prisco Photography) and Amir Chokr (Diamond Vault) have to say about their experience so far - check out the pod cast from "Tell Me Something Good Radio", WSRQ.

Special Thank you to Goodwill Manasota and Veronica Brandon-Miller for helping to put this all together - and introducing me to Karrie and Nathan!

Wedding donations courtesy of:
Planning & Styling: Jennifer Matteo Event Planning
Catering: Morton's Gourmet Market & Catering
Bakery: Wonder Cake Creations, Cakes by Ron
Beauty Services: Paint Nail Bar, Brides By Kelly Anne
Rentals & Linens: US Tent, Linens by the Sea 
Draping & Lighting: Palacios Events
Furniture & Decor: So Staged Events
Florals: Oh Darling Events
Wedding Favors: Just a Basket Case
Photography: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Photo Booth: Be Glam Photo Booth 
Invitations: Write on Sarasota
Venue: Rafter J Ranch Barn


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