Liz and Dan are friends of mine who I met a few years back when my sister Melissa, who works for United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut, helped me to set up a Help-Portrait style photo day for the individuals who receive their services. Dan was a client of my sisters, and when I met him and his longterm girlfriend, Liz, during that photo day, it was obvious why my sister held him in such high regard. His kindness and joy bring a smile to everyone who meets him, and Liz’s sweet sassiness does the same.
After the photo day, we connected on facebook, and I enjoyed periodic messages from them, and would sometimes run into Dan in local coffee shops. In 2018, Dan celebrated his 40th birthday, and I photographed his big birthday bash as a gift to him. It was really special to be able to develop a friendship with him over the years.
This 4th of July, Dan and Liz, who have been together for 5 years, were visiting with me and told me they made the decision to have a Commitment Ceremony in October. I was honored when they asked if I would consider being their photographer. I was so thrilled to see Dan and Liz, taking this step to live the lives they want — and deserve — so it was a no brainer to say yes to gift my services to them. I was so excited to be able to capture such a special moment in their lives. To make it even better, Melissa, who was previously a professional makeup artist, also offered to do Liz’s makeup on the big day.
After they left that day, I was thinking about how happy it made me to be able to do this for them, and I thought that others in the event industry might also want to help, and made a simple facebook post in one of the event professional groups I am in:
“Putting some feelers out there so see if there is anyone who would like to help. These are my friends Dan and Liz, they have been together for 5 years, and have decided to have a commitment ceremony at Camp Harkness in Waterford in October. I have offered to photograph their special day at no charge, and we have a makeup artist who will also be doing the bride's makeup at no cost. I know its smack dab in the middle of busy season, but I'm wondering if there are any other vendors who would be willing to donate their services to help make their day as special as possible?”
I wasn’t sure what kind of response I would get, so I posted before I even mentioned the idea to Dan and Liz. I thought that perhaps a few people might offer their services, but wanted to be sure before I said anything to them. It turns out the caution wasn’t necessary - the response was quick and overwhelming, like an avalanche. First, a hairstylist offered her services, then a stationer, an officiant, a florist, a dress shop, day of help, and so on. And then, friends volunteered to help with set-up, food service, and cleanup. And still more friends generously offered to help purchase needed supplies. It was AMAZING to see all of the kindness and generosity shown by these individuals, small business owners and professionals:
Event Vendors:
Anchored Roots Photography - Second Shooter
Kuenn Videography
Katherine Christopher - Officiant
Melissa Warner - Makeup Artist
Shelby Viars - Hairstylist
Harper’s Invitations
TS Custom Calligraphy
Montville Florist
Wood and Word Blooms
Enchanting Moments LLC - Rental Decor
The Wedding Embassy - Gown
Arthur Murray Niantic - Dance Lessons
Connecticut’s Most Wanted Disc Jockeys
Dilphia De Los Santos - Cake & Desserts
Valerie Muckle Metivier - Flutist
Day Of Volunteers:
Dilphia, Tiffany, Jen, Aileen, Sarah, Ryan, Angie, Jackson, Allie, and Thalia
Additional Donors:
Susan, Lisa, Aparna, Jessica, Elizabeth, Marissa and Michelle
Knowing that we had an entire events worth of vendors and volunteers, Melissa and I visited Dan and Liz at Dan’s apartment to surprise them with the news. Liz was overwhelmed with happiness and burst into tears, and it was contagious. Within moments, Dan, Melissa and I all had tears in our eyes too.
Me, Dan, Liz and Melissa the night we surprised them with the news.
When it came time to sit down and really figure it out, we realized that between the contributions of Dan & Liz and their families, donated services, day of volunteers and other donations, we would have everything needed to have one amazing commitment ceremony.
My sister and I tag-teamed the planning and behind-the-scenes coordination with vendors, volunteers and Dan & Liz’s families. Since Melissa sees Dan and Liz on a regular basis through her job, she helped them with day-to-day tasks to prepare, like making their guest list, sending invitations, choosing footwear, a pocket square, bringing them to dance lessons, and a million other little details (it helps that Melissa is INSANELY organized!) I worked on things like communicating with many of the vendors, setting up an interview with FOX 61 News (they reached out to me when they heard about the commitment ceremony through the grapevine - view their coverage of it here!), and setting up a timeline for the day. We both also brought Liz to her very first appointment at the dress shop to find her perfect dress (Melissa brought her to the subsequent alteration appointments), helped with crafting decor items, picking up items that vendors donated, and coordinating volunteers on the day of. It was a big undertaking, but so, so very worth it to see the smiles on Liz and Dan’s faces. There were also many happy tears shed throughout the day.
What’s more, it was incredible to witness the outpouring of kindness and generosity of each and every person and business who came together to make this happen. Brian of Kuenn Videography created the most beautiful commitment ceremony film (and this adorable teaser) that captured their day perfectly. The seamstress at The Wedding Embassy, went above and beyond to make sure Liz’s dress fit perfectly. Arthur Murray Dance School didn’t just offer to let Dan and Liz come to a dance class, but they offered 5 weeks of private dance lessons to help them choreograph a special dance together.
Left: Melissa and Liz the day we found the perfect dress for Liz at The Wedding Embassy.
Right: Dan and Liz rehearse their special dance at Arthur Murray Dance school in Niantic.
When it became apparent that the weather was not going to cooperate for the outdoor ceremony, Leah at Montville Florist reached out to me, and offered to set up a beautiful backdrop with sheer curtains and a soft floral garland to make a beautiful indoor space for the ceremony (in addition to the centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres they were already donating). And one of our day of volunteers, Tiffany, showed up beyond prepared and took control on making the food tables absolutely gorgeous.
In the end, Dan and Liz’s Commitment Ceremony was what I expected - a beautiful celebration of two individuals love for each other, but it was also more than I expected - a testament to the kindness and generosity of people as a whole.
