As wedding planners, we get to see SO MUCH LOVE. Every weekend, we witness two people vowing their love to each other through sickness and health, thick and thin. Just before Christmas, I got a phone call that made me pause and really think twice about the meaning of “sickness and health” as a vow to love someone forever.
Two years ago, I had the privilege of working with a bride named Danielle Knutson. Danielle wasn’t just any bride—she was a radiant light, full of positivity, and someone who left a smile with everyone she met. When Dani and her husband planned their wedding with me, they knew their time together might be heartbreakingly short. Dani was living with Stage 4 triple negative terminal breast cancer. In 2021, at just 31 years old, she was diagnosed with cancer, and by the time of her wedding, she was navigating not only this, but also tumors in her brain, lung and pelvis. Despite these challenges, her spirit carried her through two full years of love, laughter, and beautiful memories.
Dani passed away recently, and her husband reached out to share the news with me. His voice was filled with sorrow, but also with gratitude for the time they shared and the love they celebrated on their wedding day. It’s a call I’ll never forget. In all his pain, who would think he’d have time to call the wedding planner? He said “You were there with us while we were going through the worst of it and always gave us something positive to think about. I wanted you to know how special that was to us.”
Today, I want to honor Dani—not with sadness, but with the joy and lessons she taught us all.
The Light Dani Brought
Every time I had a Zoom call with Dani and Andrew (because they lived in California and I’m located in Brookings, SD), she lit up the screen with her smile and attitude. She was the kind of person who asked how your day was, even if hers was filled with unimaginable challenges. Her laugh was infectious, her smile was contagious, and her outlook was relentlessly positive. She taught me that even in the face of difficulty, there is always room for kindness, gratitude, and love.
One moment that stands out to me was the morning of her wedding. As we prepared for the big day, Dani cracked a joke about her hair, saying, “The stylist has it easy with me—she can curl my wig before she comes!” With a sparkle in her eye, she turned what could have been a somber topic into a moment of lighthearted laughter. Dani always found a way to bring joy into the room.
Dani’s wedding planning journey wasn’t about picking the “perfect” flowers or finding the “ideal” cake (although both were amazing! The florist even heard about her story and donated a large arch of flowers to them!). It was about celebrating love, family, and the commitment she and her husband were making to each other. She embraced the process with grace, focusing not on the stress but on the joy of the moments.
Wedding planning can feel overwhelming. I know it all too well. I think about Dani’s example. She reminded me—and reminds all of us—that what truly matters is the love you’re celebrating, not the DJ playlist, the catering order, money, or the stress of the guest list.
A Message for Brides
To every bride reading this, let Dani’s story be a gentle reminder to savor the happiness of the journey. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember:
- The Big Picture Matters Most. Your wedding is one day, but your marriage is forever.
- Find Joy in the Small Things. Whether it’s a quiet moment with your partner or the laughter of your loved ones, these are the memories that will stay with you.
- Kindness is Contagious. Dani taught us that even in the hardest times, positivity can transform the people around you.
Goodness, if we only knew the lives we were touching every day.
Honoring her Love
Dani’s wedding was a celebration of life and love, and it continues to inspire me as a wedding planner and as a person. While her passing is a heartbreaking loss, her legacy lives on in the way she embraced joy, prioritized love, and made every moment count.
Dani, thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. The celestial theme of your wedding was so perfect because your light will never fade. May it always guide us as we look up to you in heaven!
To every couple out there planning their special day: let Dani’s story remind you to focus on what truly matters. Love deeply, live fully, and celebrate joyfully. Andrew, thank you for allowing me to post this tribute to your beautiful wife. How deep a love you must have for her to know her, love her, and lose her all too soon.
Love, Renee (the wedding planner)
