“Our hope is to not only manage my health, but to raise awareness, share our story, and one day contribute to finding a cure,” says bride Kristina Hamilton to PEOPLE.
- Kristina Hamilton, with Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, married Chris Swanson on April 6 at Trinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope in Cocoa, Florida.
- The wedding was offered at no cost to the couple, courtesy to Wish Upon a Wedding and more than $50,000 in services donated by local suppliers.
- “As we begin our journey together as husband and wife, Chris and I are focusing on building a life filled with purpose, strength, and family,” Hamilton told the public.
Dozens of suppliers donated more than $50,000 worth of services to make a terminally ill woman’s ideal wedding a reality.
Kristina Hamilton has Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune illness in which the body produces tissue that is thicker than normal. Hamilton’s bone structure has already changed as a result of the incurable illness, which has caused her to lose teeth, have lung problems, and experience other medical complications. Hamilton wasn’t sure whether she’d get it to her wedding day because her key organs were under attack.
Hamilton registered to Wish Upon a Wedding on a whim last year, which gives weddings and vow renewals to couples dealing with terminal illness or other life-altering health conditions. To her amazement, she got chosen. Hamilton enjoyed a “unforgettable” wedding to Chris Swanson at Trinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope in Cocoa, Fla., on Sunday, April 6.
Courtney Woolbright of I Do for You Wedding & Event Planning prepared the wish. She found local vendors who volunteered their time and talents to the event, which cost more than $50,000, according to Florida Today.
“We want to thank Wish Upon a Wedding from the bottom of our hearts for giving us the most beautiful and unforgettable wedding day,” the newlyweds told PEOPLE. “Their kindness, generosity, and love gave us a present that we will treasure forever. They do more than just organize weddings; they provide people with moments of pure joy, hope, and love that we will never forget.
The bride, 42, and groom, 43, who met via an internet dating site in 2023, exchanged vows in grandeur. Hamilton portrayed elegance in a strapless bridal gown with a sweetheart neckline. Swanson’s blue Aurora Bridal attire was complemented by her Crown of Flowers LLC bouquet of blue and white roses and orchids.
“Chris has been my rock through everything. His love and support motivate me every day,” Hamilton says.
Following the brief ceremony, the celebration proceeded with cocktail hour, which included food from East Coast Shuckers. The newlyweds and their approximately 50 guests danced to DJ Chemics’ music, took pictures in a photo booth provided by 1,000 Words, and ate a dinner from Renaissance Catering before cutting into slices of delectable wedding cake created by Cynful Snacks & Cakes. They also drank mocktails from De-Booze Mobile Bartending and Pop & Pour.
The reception hall featured round tables with white and blue linens provided by Chairs for Affairs, as well as lovely place settings from Mimosas & Moonshine Rentals.
The couple left their nuptials in a getaway car from Hot Rayz Limousines.
“Because of Wish Upon a Wedding, we’ve started this chapter with hearts full of love and hope,” according to the pair.
Hamilton and Swanson, who have seven children together, are now living life one day at a time.
“As we begin our journey together as husband and wife, Chris and I are focusing on building a life filled with purpose, strength, and family,” according to Hamilton. “We’re raising my three great children and enjoying the blessing of forming a blended family with Chris’s four incredible children. “We’re navigating life with love and gratitude.”
Hamilton approaches her medical adventure positively.
“I continue to fight my battle with Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that has tested me in ways I never imagined—but it’s also strengthened my voice and spirit,” she tells me. “Our hope is to not only manage my health but to raise awareness, share our story, and one day contribute to finding a cure for others living with this disease.”
She keeps going: “We’re currently working on a book that shares my life journey, and I’ve launched a blog and Facebook page called Still Standing: Kristina’s Journey, where we’ll share our story, connect with others, and hopefully inspire people to hold onto hope no matter what they’re facing.”
