Sarah Cummins had spent two years planning her special day. She saved money, worked overtime, and put hours into creating her dream wedding reception that carried a $30,000 price tag.
But days before the wedding, she and her fiancé decided to cancel the event.
Everything had already been planned and paid for so there was no chance in getting a refund on their reception scheduled for 170 people at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana.
“It was really devastating,” the 25-year-old told the Indy Star.
She’s opening her heart and her wedding reception to the homeless. People can be so awesome. https://t.co/JW1tGGnLd1
— Maureen Gilmer (@MaureenCGilmer) July 14, 2017
Instead of falling into despair, Cummins turned her pain into something positive. She and her ex-fiancé agreed to turn the event into a dinner for the homeless.
With the help of her event planner, Maddie LaDow, Cummins rearranged the reception area and contacted local homeless shelters to invite their residents to her party.
“We’re doing all the same stuff, just arranging the tables differently, so there’s no head table for the bridal party, no cake table or gift table,” she said.
Guests will enjoy bourbon-glazed meatballs, goat cheese and roasted garlic bruschetta, chicken breast with artichokes and Chardonnay cream sauce, and a cake. They will sit at tables adorned with centerpieces Cummins and her mother made which include gold Eiffel Tower vases with roses.
“I was so touched that Sarah had taken a painful experience and turned it into a joyful one for families in need,” Cheryl Herzog, development director for the Dayspring Center shelter, said. “It is truly a very kind gesture on her part. I suspect having the chance to experience a delicious meal with your family in a beautiful space like the Ritz Charles will be very special for them.”
Cummins and her friends also arranged to have two buses pick up shelter residents and their families to take them to the event. She expects about 150 attendees.
The story of her kind act has spread to national media outlets after the shelter shared the story with permission from Cummins.
This isn’t the first time that LaDow has seen a wedding canceled so close to the event date.
“Some people throw parties, some completely walk away, but none have ever done anything this charitable,” LaDow said.
Cummins’ ex-fiancé said he is glad that Cummins was able to make a “selfless and very thoughtful decision” to invite shelter guests to the party.
“I will at least have some kind of happy memory to pull from,” Cummins said. “I wanted to make sure it would be the perfect wedding.”
After the reception, Cummins will go on her honeymoon trip to the Dominican Republic with her mom since her ex was kind enough to transfer his ticket.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
source: IndyStar
