Local couple selected for an all-expenses paid wedding
Brian Wisler and Amber Wickersham.
‘Finally, I Do’ contest selects Templeton art teacher, fireman
–San Luis Obispo County wedding professionals are granting an all-expenses paid wedding to Templeton High School Art teacher and local Volunteer Fire Fighter Amber Wickersham and Brian Wisler.
This is the first year the Finally, I Do project designed to help a couple who would otherwise not have a wedding. The community supported this project by nominating local couples and voting for finalists this past week. They received over 35 nominations and 3,200 unique votes.
Wickersham teaches seven art classes at Templeton High School and dedicates countless hours before, after school, and on weekends, mentoring her students. She started the student Art Club, served as the Assistant Activities Director ASB advisor, and doubled the participation in Templeton’s California Scholarship Federation club which emphasizes students serving their community.
Wisler is a volunteer firefighter with SLO County Fire and is the training officer for his station. In the role of training officer, Wisler is also a mentor to new recruits, many of whom are students straight out of high school still trying to decide their paths in life.
Instead of spending hours volunteering as mentors and roles models, the couple could take on second jobs to help save for their wedding. But they say they’re not interested in giving up their passion for helping and guiding others, simply to spend more money and energy on themselves. They were nominated by former a student and a fire academy trainee.
“Wedding days are special,” says the project’s coordinator, Jazmyn Strickland of Love Always Weddings. “It’s the way to start the next chapter in someone’s life and we know that different reasons, specifically medical hardships or dedicating your time to others, can prevent people from being able to have that special day. So we’re using our skills and talent to give back.”
All wedding services are being donated by local wedding professionals. The completely free wedding will include everything a couple needs to celebrate in style. Higuera Ranch will serve as the venue. Flower arrangements and decor by Lori Boe Floral Design coupled with linens and flatware from All About Events, will set the tone for an elegant and fun evening. The wedding party will arrive in a luxury stretch Jaguar limousine from Cal Limo. Catering will be provided by Gusto on the Go Bistro, and a wedding cake from Cake Cathedral.
DJ, lighting design, and a photo booth will be provided by Kramer Events. Love Always Weddings will plan the day, and John Patrick Images will provide the photography.
