Close to 15 years together, their lives are certainly full of smile & jubilations, but also many trials & tribulations, to include Melissa’s being diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer.  This family has been through some challenges, and at times during Melissa’s treatment, plenty of scares as well.  After daughter, Gianna’s, loving persistence to want to “…see mommy and daddy fall in love again and get married” so she can “…be the flower girl at their wedding”, on a whim, Melissa filled out an application for Wish Upon A Wedding, a non-profit organization that grants wedding & vow renewal wishes to terminally ill patients.  Never imaging they would pick her and Chris to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a vow renewal wedding reception, she was shocked when the call came in!

Their wish was granted. exactly 10 years to the day they were wed!  July 20th, 2013 at The Grain House at Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, Tara Feeley Entertainment with the help of other great Wedding Professionals; Images by Berit, Small Moments Studios, Kraft Events, Laura Clare Designs, Make-up by Amy Marie & Magical Weddings, Melissa & Chris’ wish…and Gianna’s….became a reality!

Personalizing their wedding ceremony, the day began with music from one of their favorite films, “Life Is Beautiful”.  Escorted by daughter, Gianna, and son, Jayden, Melissa walked down the aisle to a beautiful piano instrumental from the film’s soundtrack and in keeping with the theme, Chris & Melissa’s recessional was also from the film.

Personalizing their wedding ceremony, the day began with music from one of their favorite films, “Life Is Beautiful”.  Escorted by daughter, Gianna, and son, Jayden, Melissa walked down the aisle to a beautiful piano instrumental from the film’s soundtrack and in keeping with the theme, Chris & Melissa’s recessional was also from the film.

Instead of a traditional toast, Melissa chose to honor all the friends and family who have supported them along the way, with words spoken from the heart, and asked everyone to toast to them and to life!  How’s THAT for setting the tone for your party…a class act for sure!

Our dance floor opened with Chris sharing a dance with his daughter, Gianna, for without her insistence, this day would never have happened  Melissa & Chris’ special dance followed.  I say special dance because they choose not to use their original, and still loved wedding song, “The Rose” by Bette Midler, and instead chose Jason Mraz’s “I Won’t Give Up” because it said exactly what they felt to be true; life changes you as individuals, as a couple and as a family, things happen, both good and bad, and yet through it all, it really IS about commitment and family!   Once we invited guests to join it, the dance floor fun was set in motion!  The joy, love and celebration…and of course great music and a variety off, kept the dance floor full of smiling and dancing guests all throughout the party!  One of the best moments was seeing Chris jumping in the air to “I Love It” -Icona Pop! (Can’t wait to see the video!!