After superstorm Sandy, Wedding Rescue Team to save LI couple's dream
Long Island wedding industry specialists have come together to donate a wedding worth $27,000 to a couple affected by superstorm Sandy. Credit: Silverfox Photography
When superstorm Sandy swept through Long Island, it washed away many people's entire lives -- and in some cases, their wedding plans.
John Salkowsky, founder of Lindenhurst-based wedding photography company Silverfox, saw one of his offices destroyed by the storm. While rebuilding his own losses, Salkowsky came up with a way to use his skills and connections to help other Long Islanders in need.
"So many local areas really got demolished," says Deanna Verbouwens, marketing manager at Silverfox. "He wanted to try and ease the emotional and financial stress of planning a wedding for someone in need."
Salkowsky pulled together the Wedding Rescue Team: local florists, caterers, limousine services and more, and to date he has gathered donations for a full dream wedding -- venue, dress and all -- worth about $27,000.
"The donations keep coming in," Verbouwens says. "It's wonderful to see."
Bridal Reflections in Carle Place will donate a $2,000 wedding gown, and All Star Limousines in Lindenhurst will provide the ride. Pedestals Floral Decorators in Garden City Park will give $2,500 worth of flowers. Other members of the team include Westbury Manor, Viana Hotel and Spa, Town & County Tuxedos and Leanne's Specialty Cakes, among others.
To enter, engaged Long Island couples must answer questions about how Sandy seriously affected their homes, area and wedding plans. They're also asked to share a little bit about their relationship. Entries will be accepted through Jan. 18. An internal committee will select the three finalists, and then voting will be open to the public.
Anyone looking to get involved can enter to win a rescue wedding or sign up to donate services at weddingrescueteam.com.
