Local charity gives cancer patient a dream wedding

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man battling terminal cancer married the love of his life in a dream wedding thanks to the generosity of a local non-profit.

The weather was perfect for Thursday morning's ceremony, as family and friends celebrated the marriage of longtime loves Melanie Gaskins and Pierre Freeman.

Gaskins looked radiant and Freeman was jubilant, despite Wednesday's chemotherapy treatment for his inoperable brain tumor and secondary liver, lung and bone cancers.

Doctors have told him he has three months to a year left to live.

"It was love at first sight. I felt something when I saw you at an event. My black Nubian queen, I want to be your king forever," said Freeman, during his vows.

"I can't imagine my life without you and with God's mercy, I'll never know what that feels like. I intend to spend the rest of my life with you, growing old, laughing together. Pierre, I love you," said Gaskins, during her vows.

The ceremony was coordinated by 'Wish Upon a Wedding' - a 4-year-old non-profit, whose mission is to grant wedding wishes for couples facing terminal illness.

Everything from the music to Gaskins' gown, to the food, cake and venue were donated.

However the couple and their family provided the most important ingredients - strength and love.

"It's amazing, it really is. They've been together and they've been through so much," said Arianna Melton, daughter of the bride.

"I admire her and I think a lot of her and I'm always telling her, 'Thank you for being so strong,'" said Walter Freeman, father of the groom.

"It's overwhelming. It's just love, I'm so happy," said Willie Johnson, mother of the bride.

Many couples say the words 'for better or for worse' without really knowing what they mean but this couple knows they can face anything ahead as long as they're together.