“Couple given dream wedding - News-Press” |
| Couple given dream wedding - News-Press Posted: 12 Sep 2010 07:54 PM PDT 1:10 A.M. — Standing riverside under coconut palm trees at the winter home of Thomas Edison, Amanda Lustig and David Daugherty celebrated their nuptials before riding off in a burgundy 1926 Model T. It was the type of wedding Lustig couldn't have dreamed of a month ago. After Lustig and Daugherty lost their jobs and then Lustig's mother died from a heart attack, Lustig figured she would get married in a courthouse. Studio Six Eleven Events and Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida changed that when they selected the North Fort Myers couple the winners of their all expenses paid Lemonade Wedding contest. They were chosen over about 50 other struggling couples. Studio Six Eleven's Calleen Bonilla wasn't sure how much the total wedding package cost, but she said 25 vendors donated their services. From the couple's wedding bands to the groom's tuxedo, everything was paid for. Lustig and Daugherty only had to pay for their wedding license. "I've never won anything in my life, so for this to happen to me is unbelievable," Lustig said. "Everybody pulled together to help us. It really touches my heart." Studio Six Eleven Events' Racheal Schoof came up with the idea to help an engaged couple enduring rough times. "The economy is so bad. We know it's hard for people to put on a small, decent ceremony these days so we wanted to help," Bonilla said. "We were surprised with how many businesses helped us." James Gillespie, a Lustig family friend, said the free wedding couldn't have happened to a more deserving couple. The couple met at a Super Bowl party. Lustig, 28, and Daugherty, 34, have each faced trying circumstances recently. Not only did Lustig's 42-year-old mother die from a heart attack, but Lustig had a close friend die in her arms after being struck by a car in North Fort Myers. Lustig said she leaned on Daugherty for support. Daugherty had to do the same after his mother suffered a stroke this year. Doctors gave Lynn Daugherty a 2 percent chance to survive, but she did. She even attended Sunday's wedding. Daugherty and Lustig are living at Lynn's home to help in her recovery. "They needed the help," said Larry Daugherty, Lynn's husband. "They couldn't afford this." About 50 family members and friends attended the wedding. That was followed by a reception at the Heitman House, a historic landmark built in 1908. The Heitman House is backed by the Caloosahatchee River, with a 200-foot walkway leading to an arch. Daugherty and Lustig arrived at the ceremony in a Ford Model T donated by Model T Chauffeur Services. Provident Jewelry (wedding bands), Kakes by Karen (wedding cake), the Flying Pig (reception catering) and Hotel Indigo (honeymoon suite) are other businesses that helped make it a special day. Gillespie said the wedding was cathartic for him. "In a way, this is a cleansing moment," said Gillespie, whose wife performed the ceremony. "I feel sadness because Lustig's mother isn't here but at the same time her life is displayed through her daughter." This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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