What These Vendors Did for One Couple Will Move You to Tears
More than a dozen Florida wedding vendors stepped up to generously help a deserving couple in need.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
There are a lot of reasons why we believe that wedding planners are actually superheroes, but if we had any doubt about it, this story has us convinced. When Sarasota wedding planner Jennifer Matteo learned about a young Florida couple who were financially down on their luck, she decided to step in. "I wanted to donate a wedding," she says. "Not just my services, but an entire wedding to a deserving couple who, without my assistance, could not have gotten married."
Matteo, who is an ambassador for her local Goodwill branch in Florida (Goodwill Manasota), had previously discussed her idea of donating a wedding with the help of the organization. Goodwill Manasota happened to have an employee, Karrie Jewell, who would be more than deserving of Matteo's dream. Karrie was a U.S. Navy veteran, full-time student, and the Veterans Service Program Advisor for Goodwill Manasota. "It just kind of all came together!" Matteo says. The unsuspecting bride-to-be had no idea what was coming next when her boyfriend, Nathan, proposed on stage at a charity concert in September 2016 (in front of thousands of people, no less).
"She said yes and I walked onto the stage and announced that not only was her engagement ring a gift from Diamond Vault, but her entire wedding was being gifted to her as a 'thank you' for her military service and service to the community," says Matteo. "Tears followed and so did many planning meetings!"
Following the couple's wishes for an "elegant country" theme, Matteo found them the perfect venue, Rafter J Ranch Barn in Parrish, Florida. Throughout the process, more than a dozen wedding vendors donated nearly $40,000 worth of services for the bride and groom.
Read more about the couple's amazing proposal story and rustic elegant wedding below:
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Karrie and Nathan were introduced by mutual friends in September 2013. Three years later, Nathan proposed at the Young Guns of Country concert, an annual charity event in Sarasota presented by Goodwill Manasota and a local radio station. The bride's engagement ring features a princess-cut diamond and rose gold band. Nathan's ring, a custom-made piece by Diamond Vault, was created using metal from his father's wedding band. The couple married this past March.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
A custom invitation suite by Write On Sarasota was designed with the couple's ivory, mint and navy color palette in mind.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
On the big day, Karrie looked beautiful in a tulle and lace ball gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline. She paired her dress with a simple elbow-length veil.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
Karrie paid homage to her military service by attaching dog tags to her wedding bouquet stems.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
The Sarasota wedding venue offered a gorgeous outdoor ceremony spot surrounded by sprawling trees. "It was just absolutely beautiful!" says the bride.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
"We absolutely loved the fact that the venue had a beautiful bridge that was our aisle," she adds. "It gave it such character."
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
During the reception, the newlyweds dined at a rustic chic sweetheart table adorned with greenery and fresh flowers. "Everyone was happy to be a part of the wedding and bring their creativity and services," says Matteo.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
The couple decorated their Sarasota wedding venue with a mix of modern and rustic décor, including ghost chairs, gold and copper details, and fresh greenery.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
A white, two-tiered fondant wedding cake was courtesy of Cakes by Ron.
Photo: Katelyn Prisco Photography
"It is not every day that I get to give someone a wedding," says Matteo. "Plan them, style them, yes—but the feeling of giving two amazingly sweet people the gift of a life together is something that I will always cherish. Without the unwavering support of the local wedding community, this simply would not have been possible. Sarasota is a small town but with the biggest heart!"
