A Celebration for a Well-Deserving Couple Facing Adversity
Featured in Love Inc. Magazine and People Magazine.
Update: It is with great sadness that we share that our beautiful bride Beth passed away on June 2, 2024, just shy of 4 months after their wedding celebration. There is something poetic, fitting as Beth as she was a writer, and poetry was a focus of their wedding celebration, to cross over during Pride month surrounded by her loving partner, family, and chosen family. Getting to live as her true and remarkable self.
In the heart of Long Beach, amid the elegance of The Ebell, a remarkable love story unfolded as Elizabeth and Candace exchanged vows, surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and cherished memories.
Gifted by Wish Upon a Wedding, their journey to this day was a testament to love’s enduring strength and unwavering commitment. Wish Upon a Wedding gifts weddings to couples who are facing terminal illness. Just 18 months into their blossoming relationship, Beth was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer.
From the depths of adversity to the heights of joy, Elizabeth and Candace stood by each other’s side through life’s most challenging moments. As Beth faced the battle with unparalleled courage, Candace’s unwavering support and love illuminated their path, guiding them through every trial and triumph.
“Candace stood by her side through chemo, surgeries, radiation, and more, and though the cancer keeps coming back, here we are,” shares the pair.
From Beth’s spontaneous proposal in a quaint restaurant to Candace’s heartfelt “yes” amidst laughter and love, every step paved the way for their beautiful union.
“She initially floated the idea of having a wedding to celebrate our love and also bring the people we loved together. She explained that she wanted to gather loved ones around something positive, rather than think about them gathering at a funeral without her,” explains Candace. “We talked about ways this could become an event that really was about both of us coming together, our worlds, and reframe it so that it wasn’t a goodbye event, but an event about us forging a future together with the support of our friends and families, whatever will come.”
With the support of an incredible vendor team primarily made up of woman- and/or LGBTQ-owned vendors, Anything But Gray Events and Todd Danforth Photography, Elizabeth and Candace’s wedding day blossomed into a celebration of love’s enduring beauty and boundless possibilities.
With Beth an English teacher and Candace a poet, the wedding theme embraced the beauty of nature and the couple’s literary passions, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
“Trees are seen in the ceremony, in the table centerpieces, as well as in the stationery elements,” shares Holly from Anything But Gray Events. “Trees symbolize strength, individuality and expression, calmness, growth, and the interconnectedness of everything. A grounded, rooted, and mature oak tree felt like a very appropriate symbol for this devoted couple whose branches have blossomed so much love over their time together.”
In a nod to Candace’s vibrant spirit, the color palette (chosen by Beth) reflects her essence with deep copper, ice blue, rose, and midnight blue accents. Each element, from Candace’s striking midnight blue Friar Tux suit to Beth’s elegant copper velvet dress, radiated the couple’s unique personalities and shared love.
Our friends at 5 Under 40 Foundation ensured that Beth felt radiant in a beautiful wig, styled by Face It Sugar. Beth exclaimed, “I’m exhausted, but I feel as beautiful as Elizabeth Taylor or maybe she looks like me?”
Please visit wishuponawedding.org to learn more about this incredible non-profit that gifts couples facing terminal illnesses or life-altering medical challenges an opportunity to celebrate their love, removing the financial burden and time commitment that typically goes into planning a wedding, and allowing them to focus on their treatments and spending time with their loved ones.
Wedding Grant Organization: Wish Upon a Wedding
Photography: Todd Danforth Photography
Planning & Design: Anything But Gray Events
Venue: The Ebell of Long Beach
Catering: Tres LA Catering
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
Videography: Isabel Cinémathèque
Photo Booth: Girl Squad Media
Floral Design: Something’s Blooming
DJ: DJ Dazzler
Cake Design: Nicole Bakes Cakes
Stationery: Roseville Designs
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Rentals: Town & Country Rentals
Hair & Makeup: Face It Sugar
Suit Design: Friar Tux
Accommdations: Hotel Maya
Wig Consulting: 5 Under 40 Foundation
Wig Shop: Bitz-n-Pieces