Patricia & Philip

Real Weddings

Patricia & Philip

How They Met: Twelve years ago while both taking photos at the Portland International Raceway. They dated long distance for two years, but a mutual love of motorsports couldn’t stretch the distance between him in San Diego and her in Portland—until they reconnected in 2010.

How He Proposed: After four trips to see Patti and her six-year-old daughter, Phil finally voiced his desires. “I want this, I want you, I want us to get married.”

How They Wed: Less than a week later, Patti received a shocking cancer diagnosis. Only able to afford a very simple ceremony, a chance phone call put the couple in touch with Wish Upon a Wedding, a nonprofit that provides dream weddings to couples facing terminal illness—Patti and Phil would be their first couple. Over 25 vendors donated their services; Patti fell in love with a broach bouquet in Oregon Bride and Studio del Fiore created one especially for her, while planner Marilyn Storch and the Party Place created a wonderland of purple, her favorite color. The group even arranged a surprise ice sculpture of a Formula 1 racecar. Most importantly, Patti felt like herself again, and the couple celebrated their new family. As she says, “Love wins!”

How They Live Happily Ever After: After Patti finished chemotherapy in January, the newlyweds took advantage of a donated family “honeymoon” to Lincoln City and then the Great Wolf Lodge in Washington. Patti’s prognosis is promising, and they’re focused on enjoying a happy, healthy life.

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