How Wish Upon a Wedding and Local Vendors Came Together to Grant a Couple’s Dream Celebration
For couples facing terminal illness or life-altering health challenges, planning a wedding can feel overwhelming—if not impossible. That’s where Wish Upon a Wedding steps in, granting weddings and vow renewals to couples in need, allowing them to experience a day filled with love, joy, and celebration rather than stress and uncertainty.
When wedding planner Tara Donato of Tara Donato Weddings & Events learned about Wish Upon a Wedding, she knew it was something she had to be part of. As a veteran herself, when she was contacted about planning a wish wedding for Terrell and Nanika, she immediately said yes.
“The moment I learned that Terrell was also a veteran, my answer was an immediate yes.
A Community of Generosity
Planning this event required many moving parts. With Wish Upon a Wedding, vendors and venues donate their services entirely, meaning every detail of the wedding is a gift of love and generosity.
“Every vendor involved said yes without hesitation,” Tara shared. “Some even offered to step in as backups, just in case. It was heartwarming to witness such an outpouring of support, not only from local vendors but also from those out of state—we had contributors from Washington and Florida as well.
From securing the venue and photography to florals, catering, and entertainment, every detail was carefully crafted to ensure Terrell and Nanika could experience the wedding they never had—this time, with their children and granddaughter by their side.
A Wedding Unlike Any Other
While every wedding is special, wish weddings carry a unique emotional weight. The day was filled with deep meaning—not just for the couple, but for everyone involved.
“On the day of the event, every single vendor went above and beyond. I knew they would, but seeing it unfold was deeply moving—I had to hold back tears multiple times.
” As Terrell and Nanika walked into their beautifully designed ceremony, the love and gratitude in the room were tangible. The space was carefully curated with elegant florals, meaningful details, and intimate moments that reflected their love story and journey together.
“It’s always an incredible feeling to design and plan a wedding, but watching this particular event come together was something truly special,” Tara said.
The Impact of Wish Upon a Wedding
Beyond the beauty of the day, Wish Upon a Wedding provides something far greater: peace of mind. By lifting the financial and logistical burden, the organization allows couples to focus on what truly matters—love, family, and the memories they create together.
“As wedding professionals, we are in the business of creating unforgettable moments of love. Who better to give back in this way than us?” Tara said. “In a city like Las Vegas, where weddings often come with a high price tag, giving couples this opportunity is even more meaningful.”
For Terrell and Nanika, their wedding was a dream realized, and for the vendors who contributed, it was a reminder of why they do what they do.
How Wedding Vendors Can Get Involved
Wish Upon a Wedding is always looking for generous vendors, venues, and planners to step up as wish granters. By donating their time and services, wedding professionals can give couples facing unimaginable circumstances a chance to celebrate love and commitment.
If you’re in the industry and want to make a difference, visit Wish Upon a Wedding to get involved.
Email: wishes@wishuponawedding.org Instagram: @wishuponawedding
• Wish Upon A Wedding
Contact: Megan Biehl
Instagram: @wishuponawedding
Email: wishes@wishuponawedding.org
• Vendors:
Planner & Designer // Tara Donato
Instagram: @taradonato.weddingsandevents
Email: info@taradonato.co
Phone: 757.969.7539
• Associate Planner & Content Creator //
Rochelle
Instagram: @mycherrehamore
Email: cherrehevents@gmail.com
• Venue // Adorn Events
Instagram: @adorneventslv
Owner: Chelsea Davis
Email: info@adornevents.net
• Caterer // Cut and Taste Catering
Instagram: @cutandtastefood
Contact: Chris Gilmore
Email: chris@cutlv.com
• Photographer // Karissa Russ Photography
Instagram: @karissaruss.co
Email: info@karissarus.com
• Videographer // The Video Chef
Instagram: @thevideochef.lv
Owner: Christian Chico
Email: thevideocheflv@gmail.com
• DJ // DJ MoBlvd
Instagram: @djmoblvd
Email: djmoblvd@gmail.com
• Ceremony Music // Lucky Devils Band
Instagram @luckydevilsband
Pianist: AJ Braman
Email: aaron@luckydevilsband.com
• Brides Dress // May Bartolini
Instagram: @may_bartolini
Email: may8bartolini@gmail.com
• Brides Makeup // Makeup in the 702
Instagram: @makeupinthe702
Contact: Meg Payne
Artist: Alexx
Email: megan@makeupinthe702.com
• Bride & Bridesmaids Hair // Angie
Instagram: @bewitched_by_angie
Email: info@bewitchedbyangie.com
• Tux // Generation Tux
Instagram: @generationtux
*They work directly with Wish Upon A Wedding
to donate suits and give a discount for additional
items rented
• Social Hour Mocktails // Mixxie Mixologist
Instagram: @mixxiemixologist
Owner: Jahlisa
Email: bookus@mixxiemixologist.com
• Cake // Rolling in Dough Bakery
Instagram: @rollingindoughbakerylv
Contact: Alexis Pascual
Email: alexis@rollingdoughbakerlv.com
• Ice Cream Cart // Funky Frostwich
Instagram: @funky_frostwich
Owner: Leena Cosgrove
Email: leena@funkyfrostwich.com
• Behind The Scenes Content // Chester Marc
Photography
Instagram @chestermarc
Owner: Chester Capistrano
Email: chestermarcphoto@gmail.com
• Photo Booth & Audio Guest Book // Bossy
Booths
Instagram: @bossybooths_lv
Owner: Zoie Sevilla
Email: info@bossybooths.com
• Wedding Party Bouquets, Boutonnieres,
Petals // Blossoms by Angie
Instagram: @blossomsbyangie
Owner: Angie
Email: blossomsbyangie@gmail.com
• Ceremony & Reception Floral Designs //
Sarasponda Florals
Instagram: @sarasponda_lv
Owner: Sarah Scow
Email: scowcow@gmail.com
• Floral Donations // Mellano & Company
Instagram: @mellano_lv
Instagram: @mellanoandcompany
General Manager: Gina Fletcher
Email: gfletcher@mellan.com
• Drapes // Kimberly
Instagram: @kimberlyellis_2
Email: kimellis247@gmail.com
Balloon Artist // The Balloon Bestie
Instagram: @ballonbestielv
Owner: Melissa Sekkat
Email: melissa@balloonbestie.com
• Invitations & Thank You Cards:
Instagram: @minted
*Minted works directly with Wish Upon A Wedding
• Menu Cards & Welcome Sign // Wildberry
Paper Studio
Instagram: @wildberrypaperstudio
Owner: Nicole Dragomir
Email: hello@wildberrypaper.com
• Linens // Nuage
Instagram: @nuagedesignsinc
Nuage Designs works directly with Wish Upon A
Wedding
• Kids Table & Stools // Caesar Event Rentals
Las Vegas
Instagram: @caesar_event_rentals_lasvegas
Contact: Uriya Lionov
Email: vegas@caesarseventusa.com
• Chargers, Plates, Flatware // Modern
Vintage Rentals
Instagram: @modernvintagerentalslv
Contact Jessica Ruddy / Lorelei Ruff
Email: jessica@modern-vintagerentals.com
Email: lorelei@modern-vintagerentals.com
• Kids Play // Keiki Zone
Instagram: @keikizone
Contact: C’era Oliveira-Norris
Email: keikizone@outlook.com