On November 22nd, Emil and Halie stood before their family and friends to profess their love to each other and to join their lives together in marriage. The day could not have been more gorgeous and our sweet couple basked in the glow of their loving celebration.

Emil and Halie have somewhat of a storybook love story. They first saw each other two years ago from across the room at their local cancer hospital. Emil has been struggling with sickle cell anemia since birth and was at the hospital to receive treatment, while Halie was experiencing some health issues of her own and was there to meet with a doctor. While Emil had planned to introduce himself to her after his appointment, he was disappointed to discover that she had already left. As fate would have it, the two matched on a dating app that very night!

Soon after, the couple went on their first date and immediately fell for each other. Emil proposed just six months later, and the rest is history. While Emil’s illness has certainly been challenging to endure, it has strengthened the couple’s relationship.

Sadly, sickle cell is an uncurable disease and one that causes tremendous pain, fatigue, frequent hospitalizations, routine blood infusions and often, surgery. In Emil’s case, the disease has advanced considerably over the years, causing complications that will require a him to have a hip and shoulder replacement. Despite putting on a brave face and never complaining, Emil fights constant exhaustion and pain and has spent several weeks in the hospital already this year.

We were honored to grant Emil and Halie’s wish for a wedding and loved getting to know them throughout the process. From start to finish, the day was filled with love, laughter and beauty. From seeing our gorgeous bride in her breathtaking gown, to the exquisite flowers, gourmet food and incredible live musicians, we could not have been more pleased with how everything turned out.

So many thanks go out to our planners, Neillie Butler and Elizabeth Pruitt, of Marie Ami Events, who worked so hard to pull this wish off in the midst of all of the COVID madness. They assembled a remarkable team of wish granters who showered our couple with their time, talents and kindness.

Thank you all so very much!

Planner: Marie Ami Events

Venue: Swan Lake Stables

Caterer: Happy Catering Company

Love Story Photo Shoot: Rachel and Noah Ray

Photography: Davy Whitener Photography

Videography: Matthew Baxter

Florist: Marigold Designs

Rentals: Event Rentals Unlimited

Furniture Rental: Prop House

Linens: Nuage Designs

Cake: Barb’s Cakes