Students to Plan and Fulfill Second Blissful Wish Wedding for Couple Whose Love Overcame a Major Health Challenge
The Department of Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management (RHTM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is proud to announce that Kenzie Cathey and Tanner Branam have been selected as the recipients of the second Blissful Wish Wedding—a fully sponsored wedding planned and executed by 12 students enrolled in HTM 412 Wedding Production and Execution during the Fall 2025 semester. The couple was chosen from 23 applications submitted between February 14 and April 18, 2025. The wedding will take place on November 6, 2025, at the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm.
As part of the course’s experiential learning outcomes, the selected students will coordinate all aspects of the wedding, including soliciting goods and services from local businesses. Their hands-on involvement offers invaluable industry experience while supporting a couple with an inspiring love story.
Four members of the RHTM Advisory Board reviewed all submissions and unanimously selected Kenzie and Tanner. “Their love story was so powerful and touched our hearts,” said Jill Thompson, Director of the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association and RHTM Advisory Board member.
Kenzie was born with congenital heart disease and has battled health challenges her entire life. Despite these obstacles, she and Tanner began dating two years ago. “Her friend told me she had a lot of health issues,” Tanner recalled, “but I said, ‘It won’t stop me from loving her.’” As Kenzie’s health declined, she endured numerous emergency room visits and was placed on the heart transplant list. On August 11, 2024, Kenzie received a life-saving heart transplant. Through it all, their love never wavered—and now they’ll celebrate their journey with a dream wedding.
“Being selected for the Blissful Wish Wedding is a dream come true,” shared Kenzie and Tanner. “It’s an answered prayer from the Lord! We are so blessed!”
Students will be guided by Stefanie Benjamin, Associate Professor, and Nancy Barger of Barger Concepts. “We are beyond excited to share this experience with Kenzie and Tanner,” said Dr. Benjamin. For Barger, this wedding holds personal significance. “My daughter had open-heart surgery at the age of 4,” she shared. “We can’t wait to meet Kenzie and Tanner, hear their story, and be part of this meaningful celebration.”
“I’m thrilled for the couple and for our students who get to plan and execute a real wedding while still in the program,” said Junehee Kwon, Professor and RHTM Department Head. “The Blissful Wish Wedding is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing unparalleled experiential learning. It’s a joy to give back to this special couple while enhancing student education.”
To be part of the Blissful Wish Wedding planning team, students must be Hospitality and Tourism Management majors, complete HTM 312 Wedding Planning and Design, and undergo a competitive application and interview process.
Businesses interested in supporting the event by providing wedding-related goods and services are encouraged to participate (rhtm@utk.edu). Sponsors will be recognized through departmental social media and on the official website: https://cehhs.utk.edu/rhtm/blissful-wish-wedding/
Prospective students interested in unique, real-world learning experiences can contact Mr. Christopher Kelley, Senior Coordinator of Hospitality and Tourism Management, at ckelle15@utk.edu.