Rhonda and Michael’s Wish Upon a Wedding Event: A Testament of Community

Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

What do you do when your caterer ghosts you on the day of a vow renewal? You move mountains. For Rhonda and Michael, a day that was supposed to be a simple celebration of love became a testament to the power of community, quick thinking, and unwavering determination.

As a wedding planner based in the Triad, I’ve experienced my fair share of unforgettable stories. So when the opportunity arose to donate my time and services to Rhonda and Michael’s vow renewal in Newport News, VA, I didn’t hesitate. A four-hour drive wasn’t going to stop me from taking care of a couple in need.

During my time as a Triad wedding planner, I’ve had the honor of bringing love stories to life in unique and unforgettable ways. When I reflect on Rhonda and Michael’s vow renewal, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude, pride, and awe. This event, granted by Wish Upon a Wedding, was far from ordinary. It was a day where love triumphed over adversity and where an entire community came together to ensure that, despite unexpected challenges, the couple’s celebration was unforgettable.

The Journey to This Day

Rhonda and Michael at the altar, sharing a sweet moment together. Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

Rhonda and Michael were granted a vow renewal through Wish Upon a Wedding, an organization that grants weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal or serious, life-altering health circumstances. With Rhonda’s stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis, this celebration of love became even more poignant.

Although I stepped in as the lead planner only 10 days before the event, I was ready to give everything I had to make this day special for them. The original lead planner was no longer involved, and while I knew there would be some last-minute organizing, I had no idea just how intense the experience would be. I found myself essentially planning an entire wedding in a 10-day timeframe! I knew that if there was anyone who could do it, it would be me. But I also knew it was my mission to decompress and de-stress Rhonda, Michael, and their family, who were feeling a lot of tension before my business stepped up to make their day happen. I made it one of my biggest goals to not let them see me sweat: “I’ve got this. I will make this happen for them.” And so I did.

The Catering Catastrophe… And How the Team Saved the Day

The caterer who saved the day (Riverwalk Restaurant) brought this delicious spread. Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

On the day of the vow renewal, as the time ticked by and the tables remained free of table settings, my team and I became gradually more aware that something was wrong. Calls went unanswered. Messages ignored. We were ghosted — Left without food, beverages, or table settings.

The caterer, who had confirmed their arrival just two days before, was a no-call, no-show, and my heart sank in my chest. I knew I had to act fast. My team and I shifted into problem-solving mode. My team and I immediately began calling local restaurants. I knew time was of the essence, and my focus was clear: ensure our couple and their guests were fed, no matter what it took.

We now had 2 hours until cocktail hour, without food and beverages.

We were hoping for a miracle.

That’s when Riverwalk Restaurant came through like true heroes. They prepared fresh food and beverages for 50 guests within just 2.5 hours. When they asked me what the original menu was, I told them exactly what it was (chicken alfredo, chicken parmesan, salad, rolls, and -oh please!- a Shirley temple for the bride! Those are her favorites! And chicken nuggets for the kids if possible? For hors d’eourves, a cheese spread please!).

And they replicated it.

And it was delicious.

Waiting for Rhonda to walk down the aisle. Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

I cannot understate this enough: This is unheard of in the catering industry. This is the kind of miracle we needed. To pull off what they did takes most caterers 5 hours.

When they arrived, everyone cheered. The owner and catering manager, Syd and Stephen, personally came to deliver the food and to meet Rhonda and Michael and their guests.

Their kindness didn’t stop there. They presented the couple with a $200 gift card and told them, “Whenever you come to our restaurant, let the wait staff know who you are and that they should come get us. We will personally come up to care for you.”

My team and I hugged them. To say that I was relieved and grateful… An understatement. I had tears in my eyes that night as I thanked them and my team.

This past week, I learned that Rhonda and Michael did, in fact, visit Riverwalk Restaurant. True to their word, the owners, Syd and Stephen, personally greeted them. They didn’t even allow them to use the gift card. Instead, they told them, "No need — it’s on us!"

Rhonda and Michael with Riverwalk Restaurant’s owner and manager, Stephen and Syd, at their recent visit to the restaurant.

Their generosity is what this is all about to me.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m so passionate about working with organizations like Wish Upon a Wedding.

From Setback to Showstopper

Photos above by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

While the catering emergency was the most dramatic twist, it wasn’t the only thing that made this day unforgettable. Thanks to the incredible support of talented vendors and performers, the vow renewal became a celebration not only of their enduring love, but also of joy, family, and beauty.

Maria from Fluidity Performance Troupe transformed the event’s atmosphere. She began as a mermaid, delighting guests with custom-made bubbles (they turn into Christmas tree ornaments!). Later, she changed into a country-Barbie chic outfit, enchanting the children (and definitely also the adults!) with silk fan performances and even a hula hoop workshop. At one point, the children circled around Rhonda, dancing with silk fans. It was a heartwarming, magical moment that really stands out to me. Maria’s performance also saved the day, as it distracted the guests while we waited for Riverwalk Restaurant to arrive.

The music, masterfully handled by Time Passages Mobile DJ Services, kept the event’s energy vibrant and the timeline flowing smoothly, even as we adjusted the schedule on the fly. Their team’s flexibility and thoughtfulness were essential to keeping the day stress-free for Rhonda and Michael.

To add to the ambiance, we had a beautiful musical performance by Alaina from La Primavera Strings. Her violin music during the ceremony and cocktail hour set the perfect tone for the celebration. Some memorable highlights included "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Beauty and the Beast," which she played in sync with Time Passages Mobile DJ Services for a beautiful musical experience.

The flowers, created by Jeff’s Flowers Of Course! went above and beyond the call of duty, with mossy lantern details, bouquets, altar centerpiece, boutonnieres, and flower girl petals in the exact colors of the wedding.

The Details That Made It Personal

Stationery by E Stokes Creations. Hair pieces by Crowns and Eloquence. Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

Every detail of this vow renewal had meaning. The color palette — cobalt blue, burnt orange, cream, and metallic gold — was deeply symbolic. Cobalt blue represented colon cancer awareness as well as Michael’s 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy. Burnt orange was a tribute to Rhonda’s mother, as it was her favorite color (and has since become Rhonda’s as well). She even drives an orange truck!

Butterflies went from decorating the stationery to the tables. Rhonda loves butterflies.

The stunning cake and cupcakes, crafted by Sweet Cakes by Clarissa, perfectly reflected these colors. The cake’s elegant design featured blueberries, blackberries, dried blood oranges, and mint leaves, creating a look that was as delicious as it was beautiful.

It was officiated by their own pastor, David Willis, from Olivet Christian Church. Their family has known him for years, and so it was deeply meaningful to have him officiate their vow renewal.

Kimberly from Crowns and Eloquence also donated her talents to create gorgeous headpieces for Rhonda and her flower girls, which were carefully personalized to the couple’s event.

The Mariners' Museum in Newport News, VA, provided a gorgeous and welcoming venue for the vow renewal. The staff’s support and professionalism ensured everything ran smoothly. The natural beauty of the space made it an ideal backdrop for the day’s celebration. They were so helpful and truly made the space perfect for Rhonda, Michael, and their guests.

Lessons Learned and Moments Cherished

The altar piece. Florals by Jeff’s Flowers Of Course! and designed, set up, and decorated by K.S.Otter Events’ team. Photographed by Relish Say I Do! Officiant & Photographer.

In spite of it all, this day was filled with beauty and love. The unexpected twists tested my skills as a planner, but I’m proud of how my team and I rose to the occasion. The vendors I worked with proved that, when good people come together, something extraordinary happens (see the full list below!).

This experience taught me a valuable lesson about preparation, resilience, and the power of community. It’s why I’m committed to planning at least one wedding or vow renewal for Wish Upon a Wedding every year. The ability to create joyful memories for couples like Rhonda and Michael is a privilege I’ll never take for granted.

This experience also taught me that I can confidently handle anything that comes my way.

If you’re looking for a wedding planner who’s ready to face any challenge with grace, heart, and quick thinking, I’d love to hear from you. Planning weddings is about more than flowers and schedules — it’s about people. People like Rhonda and Michael. People like you.

Interested in hiring a wedding planner or coordinator? Contact me today to learn how my team and I can make your dream day come true, no matter what.

The Incredible Vendors on the Team:

Wish Upon a Wedding: @wishuponawedding

Lead Wedding Planner/Coordinator: @ksotterevents

Day-of Assistants: @cr_coordination

The Caterer that Saved the Day: @riverwalk_restaurant

Venue: @marinersmuseum

Photography: @relishp

Videography: @aspectcinemas

Performer: @fluidityperformance

Violinist: @laprimaverastrings

DJ: @timepassagesmobiledjservices and @jaychainsawdaum

Cake & Cupcake Baker: @sweet_cakesbyc

Decorator: @events_byprestige

Florist: @jeff_flowers_ofcourse

Custom Headpieces: @crownsandeloquence

Hair Stylist: @astrongstylingrva

Stationer: @estokescreations

Makeup: @laurengaljourmua

Table linen rentals: Splendid Seating

Dress: @mcellisbrides

Brunch food caterer: AJ’s Sports Grille Smokehouse