National TV To Feature WY Injured Iraq Soldier's Free Wedding in Northern Colorado

PR Log (Press Release) – May 13, 2008 – Northern Colorado Businesses To Be Featured on National Television As They Come Together to Provide $30K Wedding to Disabled Veteran

After hearing the story of Travis Vendela and Tiffany Black from Wyoming, Kevin and Lorie Cooper stepped up to the plate to make a fairytale come true for a soldier fighting to protect their own ‘American Dream’.  

“Travis and Tiffany have experienced at a young age what no couple should have to endure” said Lorie Cooper,  “While serving our country and protecting our families in the US, Travis lost both of his legs when his hummer was struck by an IED.  He actually died three times – and suffered a broken pelvis, broken arm, fractured vertebrae and has endured multiple surgeries even up to the past weeks. This man has a definite purpose for his life that he was able to survive and conquer what would have been the demise for millions of others” says Cooper “We were originally contacted by the Montel Williams talk show in December in hopes of providing some assistance for Travis and Tiffany to have their long awaited wedding… a wedding that had to consistently be postponed for financial purposes.  The momentum has now built to the Discovery Network, now owned by Oprah Winfrey, picking up the story for an hour long program called “Miracle Wedding”

Kevin Cooper, Wedding Officiate with Marry Me In Colorado and Lorie Cooper, General Manager of the Fountains of Loveland and La Quinta Inn and Suites took the challenge to the next level.  “Within 24 hours of our initial contact, we had assembled a group of wedding professionals in the Northern Colorado area who have donated their services and products to provide Travis and Tiffany with a wedding nearing $30K” says Kevin Cooper.  “The outpour of those wanting to make this dream a reality is astounding”.  

The Coopers were flown to New York in December to present the package to the couple in person on the Montel Williams show.  “We met amazing guests, all military veterans who have given so much to this country and have lost so much in return.  The opportunity to look them in they eye and tell them that we appreciate Travis’ sacrifice was the best Christmas gift we could have ever received”  

Tiffany and Travis chose a May date for their wedding with 200+ family and friends because it was his goal date to master the use of his prosthetic legs.  “He wants to stand to watch Tiffany walk down the isle, and to be able to dance with her at their wedding.”  The wedding and reception, to be held at the Fountains of Loveland on May 24, 2008 will celebrate Travis and Tiffany’s love – an amazing love that you can feel emanate from the two of them” states Lorie Cooper “I’ve been planning weddings for 25 years, and rarely see the undying love and commitment these two have for one another.  Travis worried about Tiffany leaving him after his injuries – and what we witnessed was more adoration and a stronger bond than I’ve ever seen” says Cooper  

“This is a true love story that deserves to be shared.  When I was contacted by LMNO Productions and shared Travis and Tiffany’s story, along with the amazing companies in our own back yard coming together to make this wedding happen, they jumped on the chance to share the day with the rest of the country.  I am so proud to host this event, one of the first in our new event center, and to work with the best of the best in this industry to provide a day like this… it is really making a dream come true for an amazingly deserving couple” says Cooper.

LMNO Productions, based in Encino, CA has already been filming Travis during his rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center in San Antonio Texas as well as at the couple’s home in Wyoming.  “They will arrive in Loveland mid-week to film the hustle and bustle of wedding planning from set-up to hair, rehearsals to the reception and everything in-between”

Among those companies donating their services and products are:

The Fountains of Loveland – Ceremony and Reception Site
La Quinta Inn and Suites of Loveland – Accommodations
Marry Me In Colorado – Officiating Services
Affordable Catering – Full Catering
Agape Photography – Wedding Photography
Colorado Digital Video – Cinematography Services
Palmer Flowers and Finishing Touches – Flowers
Mens Warehouse – Formal Wear
Merry Makers and Decorators – Décor
Rumors on Main – Wedding Party and Family Make-overs, Hair, Make Up, Nails
I Do Cakes by Janelle – Wedding Cake
The Fancy Envelope – Invitations
Front Range Event Rentals – Rental Items
Sweet Temptations – Chocolate Fountain
Dazzling Ice Sculptures – Ice Carving
Stockton’s Big Little Shires – Horse and Carriage
White Dove Release – 50 White Doves
Common Threads – Specialty Linens
Top Hat DJ Company – Entertainment
Lindsay Kuntz – Vocalist Services
Rocky Mountain Nut Company – Favors
Silpada Designs – Bridal Party Jewelry


Contact: Lorie Cooper, 970-622-8600 or lorie@fountainsofloveland.com