Blissful Wish Wedding Returns, Bringing Dreams to Life
Hospitality and Tourism Management Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Offer the Second Biennial Sponsored Wedding for East Tennessee Couple in November 2025
The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is thrilled to announce the second biennial Blissful Wish Wedding, set to take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025. This heartwarming event continues its mission of providing a deserving couple with a dream wedding, planned and executed by dedicated students and faculty in the hospitality and tourism management program.
Following the success of the inaugural Blissful Wish Wedding in 2023, the program is once again offering this unique opportunity to a couple facing financial or personal hardships. The event allows students to gain real-world experience in event planning, hospitality, and design, while making a meaningful impact in the community. Through planning and executing a real wedding, they developed essential skills in event coordination, hospitality management, and teamwork.
“We are thrilled to bring this initiative back and make another couple’s dream wedding a reality,” shared Nancy Barger, Co-Instructor and CEO of Barger Concepts. “Our students found the real-world experience incredibly rewarding, and having the opportunity to offer this again is truly inspiring.”
“The Blissful Wish Wedding truly represents generosity, education, and community engagement,” said Stefanie Benjamin, Associate Professor in RHTM. “It’s a remarkable way for our university to give back while equipping our students with invaluable hands-on experience for their future careers.”
Applications for the Blissful Wish Wedding will open on February 14, 2025, inviting couples to share their stories and dreams through April 18, 2025. The selected couple will receive an all-inclusive wedding experience for a maximum of 75 guests, curated and managed by RHTM students under the guidance of Benjamin and Barger.
“After the success of the wedding event in November 2023, we are grateful to bring it back,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and Department Head of RHTM. “This opportunity provides a truly transformative learning experience for our students, and I appreciate the support and dedication of everyone involved.”
The Blissful Wish Wedding is made possible through the support of local vendors, faculty expertise, student dedication, and RHTM. From floral arrangements to catering, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable celebration.
For more details about the Blissful Wish Wedding, including eligibility and how to support this initiative, visit tiny.utk.edu/wedding. To inquire further or sponsor the event, email rhtm@utk.edu.