While most little girls spend their days in carefree play, Phoebe Mattera was focused on breathing and surviving; hospitals were her home. Diagnosed at an early age with Cystic Fibrosis, 18 month old Phoebe was left fatherless by a terrible accident. Phoebe and her mother, Amy, have been each other’s entire world.
But even sick young girls fall in love and Phoebe loves Morgan. With her disease progressing, Morgan proposed and Phoebe accepted. With no funds for the nuptials, a call was made to the Children’s Cancer Association to see if a final wish for a young girl with CF would be an option.
Related to Jon Garrow of CCA, a call was made to his mother, Kerry Garrow of Signature Weddings & Events. Ms. Garrow, an accredited wedding and event planner, was thrilled to have an opportunity to make Phoebe’s dream wedding a reality.
Signature Weddings & Events is a member of the newly-formed Wedding Lounge, a group of 15 wedding-related businesses that share space on MLK Blvd. A few phone calls later, Phoebe’s wedding planning was in full swing. What would normally take months has been accomplished in only a matter of days, with vendors calling to offer their goods and services for little to no cost.
Phoebe and Morgan will tie the knot on Monday, August 9th in front of their family and friends lakeside at the newly-renovated Alderbrook Park, graciously donated by the new owners. Barclay Event Rentals is providing everything necessary to make the day comfortable and beautiful. Premiere Catering is providing the requested menu of BBQ Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, fresh fruit and cornbread. Cherie Ronning of Uncommon Invites is reprinting the wedding invitations, now that the wedding has been moved from Phoebe’s mother’s backyard, as well as menus, programs and place cards. Kevan Inouye Private Florist is providing the flowers for the ceremony, poolside cocktail reception and guest tables. Amber Darrington of Le Cookie Monkey is making the red velvet wedding cake that Phoebe has always dreamed of. Eric Wright of All Wright Music, a nationally-rated DJ, will be on site to provide all the sound and music needs for a memorable dance party. JP and Amy Prutch of AJ’s Studio will be photographing the entire event, beginning to end. Calligrapher Alesia Zorn will be creating the chalkboard menu that Phoebe saw in a bridal magazine and fell in love with. Matthew Foreman of Klassic Gems heard what was going on and asked if they could provide pre-wedding “bites “, both sweet and savory, for the family and bridal party. Finally, Eric Newland, videographer and owner of Hybrid Moon, will be filming every moment so that Phoebe can relive her wedding day over and over.
To follow this story of compassion, please stay tuned to www.portlandweddinglounge.com or call Kerry Garrow at (503)709-9293. Email can be sent to Kerry@eventsbysignature.com
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