Community holds $50K dream wedding for woman with rare terminal illness 

Kristina Hamilton was surprised when her Wish Upon a Wedding application was selected. The national non-profit organization provides weddings and vow renewals to couples facing terminal illness or life-altering health conditions. 

The 42-year-old wasn’t sure she’d see her wedding day. Her rare autoimmune disease, Diffuse Systemic Scleroderma, makes her body manufacture tissue that is thicker than it should be. 

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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. 

Courtney Woolbright of I Do for You Wedding & Event Planning organized Hamilton’s wedding wish. She sourced local vendors who donated their time and talents to the wedding, which totaled over $50,000, according to Florida Today. 

Hamilton’s wedding to Chris Swanson, 43, at theTrinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope in Cocoa, Fla., on April 6 was “unforgettable.”

The two met through an online dating site in 2023. Hamilton told People, “Chris has been my rock through it all. His love and support inspire me every day.”

Hamilton elegantly walked down the aisle in a strapless wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline. Swanson’s blue Aurora Bridal attire was complemented by Hamilton’s bouquet of blue and white roses and orchids provided by Crown of Flowers LLC

Following the brief ceremony, the celebration continued with cocktail hour, which included food from East Coast Shuckers. At the reception, the newlyweds and their nearly 50 guests danced to music spun by DJ Chemics, took pictures in a photo booth provided by 1,000 Words and enjoyed a meal from Renaissance Catering before eating slices of delicious wedding cake baked by Cynful Snacks & Cakes. 

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They also sipped on mocktails from De-Booze Mobile Bartending and Pop & Pour. The reception hall featured round tables decorated with white and blue linens provided by Chairs for Affairs and beautiful place settings from Mimosas & Moonshine Rentals.

The couple left their nuptials in a getaway car from Hot Rayz Limousines.

“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 couple told expressed. “Their kindness, generosity, and love gave us a gift we will cherish forever. What they do is more than planning weddings — they give people moments of pure joy, hope, and love, and we will never forget that.”

With their wedding over, Hamilton and Swanson, who have seven children combined, are taking 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,” Hamilton said. “We’re raising my three amazing children and embracing the blessing of becoming a blended family with Chris’s four incredible kids. Together, we’re navigating life with love and gratitude.”

Hamilton is also looking at her future with a positive attitude.

She stated, “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.”

“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 noted her intentions to write a book that captures her life story.

She said, “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.”

Meanwhile, the couple expressed their gratitude to the nonprofit, saying, “Because of Wish Upon a Wedding, we’ve started this chapter with hearts full of love and hope.” 

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