About Us

About Wedding Wish

“This project is dedicated to the many survivors, and sadly to the ones we’ve lost to cancer. It’s hard enough planning a budget-conscious wedding without the additional struggles of medical hurdles and bills. We just want to help where we can.”

Through the generous support of our volunteer and donation-based network, we help couples facing serious illness and life-altering health circumstances have a truly memorable celebration of their love and receive mental health services during the planning stages. We accomplish this by partnering with other local wedding industry professionals with a vision to give couples and their loved ones a day away from serious illness.

Due to health-related circumstances outside of their control, the couples we honor have endured far greater challenges than many of us could possibly imagine and we aim to celebrate their love for one another.

We envision for each couple a day that provides a temporary escape from worry and creates a positive memory during a difficult time. Memories have magical powers. Long after the day is gone, the memories linger – memories of the kindness of a stranger, of the beauty of the decor, of the cake being cut and shared between you, of the smiles and laughs on the dance floor, of a truly love filled experience. These memories are our vision for each Wedding Wish and of this we are truly proud.

Leia Perez

Founder

Our History

How Wedding Wish Started...

In 2020 wedding cake designer Leia Perez inspired businesses and wedding industry professionals to donate their money and services to host a free wedding to a deserving couple in need. This was a gift that was intended to celebrate one deserving couple, but the designer received many amazing love stories making it difficult to just choose one, and thus Wedding Wish by Candyland Designs a nonprofit 501(c)3 was formed.

Mission

Through the generous support of our volunteer and donation-based network, we help couples facing serious illness and life-altering health circumstances have a truly memorable celebration of their love. We partner with local wedding industry professionals with a vision to give couples and their loved ones a day away from serious illness. Due to health-related circumstances outside of their control, the couples we honor have endured far greater challenges than many of us could possibly imagine and we aim to celebrate their love for one another.

Vision

Our vision, therefore, is to help couples enjoy a truly memorable celebration of their love by providing them with all the features of a beautiful and exquisite wedding and reception. What is more, while that one day is truly magical, its benefits spread out well beyond it. In the anticipation and the memory of that day, the bride and groom can cherish a lasting source of meaning and enjoyment. That is also true for the larger community of relatives and friends to which the couple belongs.

Values

We treat all our clients, donors and staff with dignity, respect, kindness, encouragement and compassion. Each year, we aim to partner with various local and national 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to provide financial support. Types of beneficiaries we will fund include engaged individuals/couples with serious health issues, specifically pertaining to the top two causes of death in women: cancer and heart disease

Working With The Best

Our Board

Our Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas, including training, advocacy, education, finance & business management. They bring a wealth of experiences and expertise to Wedding Wish, united by their passion for our mission. It’s our  pleasure to introduce them to you.

Leia Perez

President

Logann Veney

Vice President

Pernell Bush

Mental Health Director

Donesha Anthony

Event Director