This Beautiful Celebration for a Well-Deserving Couple Facing Adversity Will Move You to Tears

In the heart of Long Beach, amid the elegance of The Ebell, a remarkable love story unfolded as Elizabeth and Candace exchanged vows, surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and cherished memories.

Gifted by Wish Upon a Wedding, their journey to this day was a testament to love's enduring strength and unwavering commitment. Wish Upon a Wedding gifts weddings to couples who are facing terminal illness. Just 18 months into their blossoming relationship, Beth was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.

From the depths of adversity to the heights of joy, Elizabeth and Candace stood by each other's side through life's most challenging moments. As Beth faced the battle with unparalleled courage, Candace's unwavering support and love illuminated their path, guiding them through every trial and triumph.

“Candace stood by her side through chemo, surgeries, radiation, and more, and though the cancer keeps coming back, here we are,” shares the pair.

From Beth's spontaneous proposal in a quaint restaurant to Candace's heartfelt “yes” amidst laughter and love, every step paved the way for their beautiful union.

“She initially floated the idea of having a wedding to celebrate our love and also bring the people we loved together. She explained that she wanted to gather loved ones around something positive, rather than think about them gathering at a funeral without her,” explains Candace. “We talked about ways this could become an event that really was about both of us coming together, our worlds, and reframe it so that it wasn't a goodbye event, but an event about us forging a future together with the support of our friends and families, whatever will come.”

With the support of a incredible vendor team primarily made up of woman- and/or LGBTQ-owned vendors, including Love Listers Anything But Gray Events and Todd Danforth Photography, Elizabeth and Candace's wedding day blossomed into a celebration of love's enduring beauty and boundless possibilities.

With Beth an English teacher and Candace a poet, the wedding theme embraced the beauty of nature and the couple's literary passions, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream.

“Trees are seen in the ceremony, in the table centerpieces, as well as in the stationery elements,” shares Holly from Anything But Gray Events. “Trees symbolize strength, individuality and expression, calmness, growth, and the interconnectedness of everything. A grounded, rooted, and mature oak tree felt like a very appropriate symbol for this devoted couple whose branches have blossomed so much love over their time together.”

In a nod to Candace's vibrant spirit, the color palette (chosen by Beth) was to reflect her essence with deep copper, ice blue, rose, and midnight blue accents. Each element, from Candace's striking midnight blue Friar Tux suit to to Beth's elegant copper velvet dress, radiated the couple's unique personalities and shared love.

Our friends at 5 Under 40 Foundation ensured that Beth felt radiant in a beautiful wig, styled by Face It Sugar. Beth exclaimed, “I’m exhausted, but I feel as beautiful as Elizabeth Taylor or maybe she looks like me?”

In addition to the beautiful floral head piece that adorned Beth’s wig, Michelle of Something's Blooming was able to create gorgeous flower arrangements with deeper meaning and expression through the pieces.

“There were a lot of flowers that called to me during this process but there was one I couldn't do without: forget-me-nots.  When I thought of all the blue flowers that are currently in season, this one stuck out to me for so many reasons and, of course, for its name.  It was the one flower I kept looking for and didn't stop until I found it,” shares Michelle.

She was able to incorporate this and other woodsy elements into the design. Also due to Beth's health and being unable to stand for long periods, having a seated ceremony for the couple was important.

“We wanted their chairs to feel intentional and comfortable so we decided to decorate the chair backs to tie them into the overall environment. A reminder that just because something is practical, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful, too.” 

As Elizabeth and Candace exchanged heartfelt vows, their promises echoed through the room, touching the hearts of all who bore witness.

Afterwards their intimate guest list gathered for a reception to celebrate. The poetic elements continued into the space with ice blues, roses, and creams of the venue that was chosen for a meaningful reason by Holly of Anything But Gray Events.

“The Ebell of Long Beach came to mind because of its affiliation with women, education, and the arts. Something that would speak to Beth and Candace on a personal level.”

The event planner then described the elements within the design she and fellow vendors curated to coincide with the chosen venue.

“The linens were Meadow Provence alongside Lamour Copper Napkins by BBJ La Tavola, picking up the light blue and copper tones of the color palette. Town & Country Rentals provided the wood chargers along with blue glassware and gold flatware. With the beautiful, dark room at The Ebell of Long Beach, bringing in warm lighting was key. Votives and pillar candles cascading the room in warm light while the centerpieces, manzanita branches on its side with florals incorporated, created a truly unique, organic centerpiece with no vase. A textured menu, place card, and table number created by Roseville Designs finished the look off.”

Amongst the design’s poetic masterpiece, both brides enjoyed emotional dances with their fathers with DJ Dazzler spinning tunes from the 80s, 90s, and beyond with a delicious strawberry balsamic buttercream from Nicole Bakes Cakes for all to indulge in.

With all the memorable moments and elements that were beautifully captured by the one and only Todd Danforth Photography, it was the vows Candace and Beth exchanged that are truly etched in our hearts.

In Beth’s words to Candace, “More recently, you said vows to me without recognizing it. I texted you with some good (finally) news from my scans and you said, Let's keep going. Those are good vows. And so I promise to keep going with you. I promise to be as strong as I can for you. I promise to try to live up to your example of kindness to me and to all living things … though you can have the spiders. I promise to keep the bicycle turned where we want to go so I don’t fall into a hole. I’m yours, my love, a sentence I never thought I would say to anyone. I will love you through my last day on Earth.”

FIND LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE WEDDING PROS IN YOUR AREA

Please visit wishuponawedding.org to learn more about this incredible non-profit that gifts couples facing terminal illnesses or life-altering medical challenges an opportunity to celebrate their love, removing the financial burden and time commitment that typically goes into planning a wedding, and allowing them to focus on their treatments and spending time with their loved ones.