Vermont Vows Magazine

Some of our favorite Vermont Vows wedding professionals were gracious enough to participate in the 2011 Deserving Couple Wedding Contest!  Friends, family members, and couples submitted nominations with a goal of finding a couple that continuously gives back to the community despite hardships in their own lives.  The above photos are an engagement session of the winners, captured by Orchard Cove Photography.

A bit about the contest: the professionals involved were seeking a couple experiencing hardships and serious challenges in their lives, yet still find time to give back to their community. In the face of adversities, this couple stays positive and continues to pour their heart and energies into helping others. Since helping others is important to them, helping this couple is important to us.

A little bit about the couple:

Kelly, who grew up and aged out of the foster care system, has earned two bachelor degrees and one associates degree as a single mother, a full time occupation in itself.  Her work with COTS family shelter inspired her to join Americorps State as a caseworker where she lived off of a small stipend to aid those already and nearly homeless.  For her hard work and dedication to going above and beyond the call of duty in this position she was presented the prestigious Governor's Award.  When her two-year position was up, Kelly once again volunteered her time to Americorps, this time as a VISTA caseworker.  Kelly helped those in need connect with valuable resources within the community. 

Outside of work Kelly manages to give back acting as a classroom parent at her daughter's school and organizing a Daisy Girl Scout Troop.  Kelly has returned to the foster care system by becoming a license Foster Parent in the hopes that she can positively impact the lives of children in a situation that she is all too familiar with.

Kelly's fiancé, David, is a Para-educator working at a school for children with learning disabilities.  For the last 15 years, David has served his community by working for the Rutland Town Fire Department.  David has also become a licensed foster parent, joining Kelly in helping to make a difference in children's' lives.  

This year's deserving winners, David and Kelly, will receive a full range of complimentary wedding services for a ceremony on June 12^th at the Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts in Burlington.

Kudos to you, participants!