Jen Bulik thought she had all the time in the world to plan her dream wedding. Then the 35-year-old Mountain View woman was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and was told she only had months to live.
The diagnosis, which came in January after she had been feeling sick for months, was not enough to derail the hair stylist's plans.
As her chemotherapy treatments began and her health declined, Bulik decided to follow through with the wedding to her love of six years, Jeff Lang, a yoga instructor.
The couple had anticipated a low-key family barbecue until San Francisco-based wedding planner Erica Ota got word of the couple's story.
Ota had seen a Facebook post about Bulik on a wedding group page. A friend of the bride's was inquiring about catering, flower and photography donations.
Ota offered to coordinate basic plans, but nearly three weeks ago when she met with Bulik's family she said she was touched and decided, "Why should she settle for a barbecue when she can have so much more?"
That started a whirlwind of wedding planning, with Ota working to bring Bulik's ideal Pinterest ideas to life.
Ota was able to get 40 Bay Area vendors to donate more than $50,000 worth of goods and services to put the event together.
The ceremony this Saturday at a San Jose park followed by a reception at Bulik's childhood home a few blocks away will incorporate the "rustic-chic" theme the bride-to-be had dreamed of.
Ota described succulent floral arrangements, colorful bouquets, a taco station, chalk board signs, mason jars, a floral arch, a guest book quilt and even a canoe filled with ice as some of the many details Bulik had hoped would be part of her big day.
A New Orleans jazz marching band will keep things lively, along with a photo booth, and more than 120 guests celebrating in the backyard.
To accommodate Bulik who has been losing weight and energy in the past few weeks, there will be opportunities throughout the wedding day for her to nap, stay hydrated and nourished, Ota said.
A custom wig was made for the bride who has lost her hair during chemo treatments, which began in February.
Ota said Bulik and Lang are "the most humble, deserving couple you'll ever meet" and that "their outlook on life is incredibly positive."
In a online post about her cancer, Bulik wrote, "I am coming into acceptance that this is my path bringing me a great transformation that will benefit the highest good for all those concerned."
In a post last month in an online journal about her treatment and health, she wrote, "I need to continue to generate meaning and pay attention to what brings me vitality and life."
According to Ota, Bulik is treating her wedding day as a celebration of life, especially since before her diagnosis she had thought she had an endless amount of time to plan for the ceremony.
Ota said Bulik says she looks forward to getting emails from the planner daily, as it gives her something to focus on instead of being sick.
Ota said working on this wedding has taught her to "focus on life and love."
A friend of the couple wrote on an online fundraising page, "Anyone that has met Jen will tell you what a beautiful, kind soul she is. Always generous and true to herself, Jen is an inspiration to many in her community, and an amazing friend to all."
The couple is "ecstatic to share their story with the world," Ota said, and added that they are in awe of the generosity of family, friends and strangers.
Donations to Bulik and her family for a post-wedding vacation and to cover her increasing medical expenses can be made at: http://gfwd.at/13h65KP.
As of this afternoon, more than 50 donors had given $4,700 to the couple.
Bulik has expressed a dream vacation to Hawaii, but instead of a honeymoon the bride-to-be wants to take her family on a vacation with her.
"This is not about her at all," Ota said. "She wants to do so much for other people."
Comments
Old Mountain View
on Jul 26, 2013 at 2:51 pm
on Jul 26, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Very sad and sounds like everyone is doing the best they can. Does Jen Bulik live near the Superfund cleanup site? I wish we had more extensive studies on cancer occurrences near that area. We should include a wider radius and also people who work there, not just people who live there.
Waverly Park
on Jul 26, 2013 at 2:56 pm
on Jul 26, 2013 at 2:56 pm
There are still some kind souls on this earth! Wishing Jean and Jeff a beautiful day.
Waverly Park
on Jul 26, 2013 at 3:06 pm
on Jul 26, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Jen was my hairdresser for over a year before she was diagnosed with cancer, and during that time I have grown to know and love her. She and Jeff are an amazing example of love and sacrifice, hope and faith, perseverance and strength. Their wedding will be a joyful celebration for them and all who know and care about them!
Old Mountain View
on Jul 26, 2013 at 7:15 pm
on Jul 26, 2013 at 7:15 pm
If it's not too late, I am a pro photographer and would gladly contribute my services. Jswimages@gmail.com.
Monta Loma
on Jul 27, 2013 at 7:39 am
on Jul 27, 2013 at 7:39 am
Great story.
Sad and touching at the same time.
I wish these two as much happiness as possible in the time they have together.
Shoreline West
on Jul 27, 2013 at 7:40 am
on Jul 27, 2013 at 7:40 am
What a wonderful thing to read over my morning tea! It's refreshing to see actual community spirit in these dark times.
Thank you, Erica Ota!
another community
on Jul 31, 2013 at 4:44 pm
on Jul 31, 2013 at 4:44 pm
this is so sad..