The Tribune

TENNILLE Darville was 21 when she watched her mother die from cancer in 1999.

Years later, she was diagnosed with the same deadly disease.

“So, it’s because my mother passed away from cancer-related complications and I, too, have been affected by cancer that I know firsthand the demands and stress it takes on one’s mind, body and finances. Every year I go to the doctor and I thank God that I am still cancer-free, but I often reflect on what my life would have been like had things turned out differently,” says Ms Darville, who was not only battling the disease but was thrust into motherhood when she was called on to raise her three younger siblings.

These days, Ms Darville, who heads the Five Seasons Events Bridal Boutique, is more known for her professional expertise than her personal triumph.

For years, anxious brides have turned to her for help finding the perfect wedding dress and making their big day special. But she always had a calling to do something bigger.

“I have been trying to give back to a cancer survivor for years but could not find a medium that measured up to my personal standards. I reached out to several persons directly involved with cancer organisations, but they told me to just bring in the dress and they’d give it to someone. So, I sought out another way,” she said.

“I plan weddings for a living and knew several vendors who could partner with me to give back to someone deserving and the desire grew beyond just giving away a dress. I needed a way to find that deserving person.”

Ms Darville contacted Anastarcia Huyler, who is also the founder of Bahamas Beauties Against Cancer, an organisation dedicated to encouraging women to become healthy and undergo annual check-ups.

Ms Huyler is also the marketing manager at Atlantis, which is supporting a wedding giveaway dubbed “Cancer Survivor: A Wedding In Paradise” as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations. The competition to win a wedding in October is open to Bahamian male and female cancer survivors or current cancer patients who have plans to get married and demonstrate financial need.

Atlantis is providing the wedding venue at Ocean’s Edge, a reception, wedding cake and is also giving the winning couple a free night in Royal Towers.

“We’ve been supportive of cancer survivors then, now and always and we hope to offer our support in a brand new way through this wedding giveaway,” said Ms Huyler.

The Counsellors Ltd is also partnering to make this event a success. The company will broadcast the wedding ceremony live on its morning TV show, Bahamas @ Sunrise.

The winner of the competition will have his or her wedding held at the Atlantis Resort, receive full wedding attire, inclusive of the bridal party, be photographed by ScharadL Photography and videographed by Kalumuntie Media.

The couple’s wedding bands will also be provided, along with entertainment, décor and a host of other gifts and surprises.

“As someone who plans weddings, I know all too well about people planning a wedding on a limited budget. This opportunity gives all connected the ability to give back to a well deserved cancer patient or survivor who doesn’t have to sit in the front of me and say this is all that I can afford while tears of pain and unhappiness fall from their face,” said Darville.

“Anyone affected by cancer should welcome the opportunity to participate because after all they’ve been through mentally and physically, a group of companies who genuinely care have put together a wedding giveaway package you won’t believe. It’s not every day that one gets the opportunity to put the entire planning and expenses of their wedding in the hands of the best vendors in the business, and let’s not forget, thanks to The Counsellors Ltd, the entire Bahamas will get to see it live.”

“The hardest decision you will have to make is deciding which persons will be invited to this awesome wedding that will be etched in the lives of the Bahamian people for years to come.”