In 2005, Samantha recognized that increasingly, there were some brides and grooms committed to planning their weddings, but who faced unforeseen or debilitating hardships along the way. Samantha wanted to find a way to help these couples, and appointed a “Dream Team” to review their individual situations and grant no-cost wedding services to a 5-7 couples per year. Since that heartfelt beginning, Samantha’s Dream Team and several New York/New Jersey area wedding service providers have volunteered to grant many couples wedding celebrations of their dreams.

In February of 2010, Samantha founded a Chicago, Illinois-based non-profit organization, the Dream Team, taking wing from her former charitable work and taking dream-granting to a national level, while also broadening the scope of what situations qualified couples for a no-cost dream wedding. The founding Dream Team chapter in Chicago began filling its Board of Directors and accepting dream wedding applications in late February. A second chapter in the New York/New Jersey area also became active. Ten more state and regional chapter rollouts are planned throughout 2010, with more to follow.

Couples the Dream Team assists may have experienced job losses, life threatening illnesses, military deployment, sudden death of a family member or other family emergencies. Brides and grooms submit their personal stories to www.dreamteamwishes.org. Every wish for a dream wedding undergoes careful consideration, though, understandably, not all wishes can be fulfilled. A Dream Team in the couple’s state or geographical region reviews and selects dream wedding recipients.  To qualify for a dream wedding, an applicant must be a minimum of 18 years old, a legal citizen of the United States, and must be able to provide proof of a severe hardship or extenuating circumstance.  The Dream Team does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability.

Our first couple...Elizabeth and David...wedding date: May 2, 2010

Our first couple Dave and Elizabeth will be getting married on May 2, 2010 in New Jersey at the New Jersey City Westin. The following vendors have donated their services with love to Dave and Elizabeth...

Ceremony and Venue donated by the fabulous people at Westin/Starwood Elizabeth Stacey always going above and beyond for all of her clients.
Westin Jersey City Hotels

Floral and Lighting
A Touch of Elegance
This fabulous design company takes design to another level. They have been given various awards for their ornate take on weddings and special events. Thus allowing them to take our industry to the next level.

Photographer Ron has been noted in various bridal publications for his distinct style with photo journalism.He is loved by all of his clients and really has a wonderful demeanour that allows him to work with various types of people.
Ron Holtz Photography

Cinematographer Eddie has also been noted as one of the leaders in cinematography. He takes each wedding and incorporates his various skills to show off the day as the stories being told..You feel like you are present, even if you weren't there.
Stix Productions

DJ/MC David Nase. Will assure any bride/groom/guests a great time! You are sure to let loose with his fun contagious attitude always exceeding expectations!
New Jersey's Best DJ's

Invitations, Menu Cards, Place cards and various details Kristen is amazing with her creativity and eye for detail She will never deliver a product that she would not have for own occasions. She is always concerned with the clients happiness and always exceeds the expectations every time.
The Golden Quill