Jennifer Nichols and boyfriend Justin Hagerty have been together for ten years and are parents of four year old son Joshua, who has a rare skin condition with high sensitivity to sunlight, and a toddler named Jaxon, who was diagnosed with low functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. The couple always wanted to get married but never felt they could afford a wedding because of the medical expenses taking most of their income. Jennifer also knew that when they did marry in the future she was willing to give up the fairytale idea of having a beautiful dress on her wedding day so they could provide for their son’s needs. She believes that it though it might not be the life she chose, both of her children chose her and she wouldn’t change a thing.
On New Years Eve, Melinda Shaw of Marissa’s Closet, a nonprofit organization that collects prom and other dresses to give to high school girls who otherwise couldn’t attend formal events because of the cost, received a call from someone who offered scores of dresses to the organization. The dresses turned out to be wedding gowns and Melinda Shaw decided to have a one-day sale on a Saturday, offering the dresses at $50 each with the proceeds going toward the store’s utility bills and other costs.
Jennifer Nichols heard about the sale and e-mailed Shaw for more details, explaining her situation and that she had been planning on just wearing a normal every day dress because that was what would fit into their budget. As a result, Melinda Shaw of Marissa’s Closet invited her to Ripon for a private showing on the eve of the sale. There Jennifer was given the choice of any dress, shoes and veil in the store, as well as a wedding cake, hair-styling, makeup, and catering by Applebee’s covered, all at no cost. The whole special day would be taken care of. It’s Melinda’s wish to make Jennifer’s day special and free.
Melinda Shaw posted portions of Jennifer’s story on Facebook and instantly began receiving offers of goods and services for the wedding. People were willing and wanting to help. Nancy and Cary Pope of The Whitmore Mansion have also given the couple a wedding venue at the Mansion for their special day. Thanks to all the kindness and compassion, Nichols and Hagerty will be married on March 17, 2012, St. Patrick’s Day.
To volunteer your time or services to the wedding, please contact Nancy Pope of The Whitmore Mansion at 209-537-5400.
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Since all of our food we serve is cooked and baked from scratch our herb and vegetable garden is crucial to our everyday and special event meals. We have chives, basil, parsley, rosemary, lemon thyme, oregano, epizote, lemon balm, lemon verbena, pineapple sage, fennel, chocolate mint, spearmint, peppermint, asparagus, blueberries, onions, tomatoes, corn, zuccini, assorted peppers and the list goes on. Come taste the freshness.
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With the sun coming out a little more these days, out come the flowers and the brides looking to book their weddings. We’ve been busy booking for this year and next year. The Mansion is gorgeous anytime, but Spring time it is in it’s glory. Be sure to stop by and check out the newly planted herb garden and watch the buds and blossoms forming. There should be an explosion of color here in the next few weeks.
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