The community's outpouring of support for local newlyweds, who are faced with the cruel reality that they won't get their fairytale ending, proved yet again that love knows no bounds - and that ours is a town with a big heart.
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There wasn't a dry eye in the house when Tim Jackson exchanged vows with his sweetheart Emily Buchtmann on the weekend, and it was all made possible thanks to a handful of Hastings businesses and suppliers.
Big Fat Kiss Events owner Kristy Slocombe was a stranger to the couple just three weeks ago, but didn't hesitate when contacted by Ellie Lyne from Wildstar Entertainment to ensure a terminally-ill Tim could tick "marrying Emily off his bucket list".
"It was a crazy three weeks to pull it all together, but I felt honoured to be involved, we all did," Mrs Slocombe told the Gazette following the ceremony at a private Lake Innes property on Sunday.
"It was a perfect, relaxed family wedding and despite the number of people who attended (130), it felt very intimate.
"They are such a young couple who obviously adore each other, and under the circumstances of not having much time to plan the wedding, we all wanted to give them the beautiful wedding they deserved without having to worry about expenses.
"I'm just a start-up business and there is absolutely no way I could've done it without everyone's help.
"People's generosity was just amazing and every supplier I contacted was happy to jump on board."
Twenty-one-year-old Tim, who met Emily (19) whilst they were working together at Port Macquarie's McCafe, has been fighting leukaemia since childhood, but treatment is no longer working.
The disease has now spread to his blood and he has been given months to live.
The army of suppliers who pulled off the Jackson's dream wedding included: The Mercure Centro Hotel; Nic Donohoe Photography; Wildstar Entertainment; Port Media; Wicked Wedding Cars; Port Mac Guitars; Serenity Makeup and Beauty; Red Shed Hire; The Department Store; Greenbourne Nursery; Tony Milano Photography; Wauchope Colonial Florist; John Gehrig Wines; Gingermeg's Floral Creations; Cassegrain Wines; Sarah J Hudson; Palette Event and Linen Hire; Wauchope Rural Centre; XS Food; Darryl Bleasedale; Trish Jackson Designer Cakes; and Clarence Street Subway.
The lovebirds' story made headlines across the country after Emily's aunty phoned the popular Kyle and Jackie O radio program, as part of their regular Giveback segment, and they kindly organised a videographer, champagne and appertisers.
The Lake Innes ceremony in front of 130 guests was followed by a reception for 80 at the Mercure Centro Hotel.
Owners James and Helga Collins donated the all-inclusive wedding reception package, staff gave their own time and the hotel's suppliers supported the reception with donations ranging from produce to entertainment.
Mother of the bride, Maree Buchtmann said the family was overwhelmed by the community's generosity and were very grateful for everyone's support.
On behalf of all of the suppliers, Mrs Slocombe said "we all loved taking part in their very special wedding and wish them all the love, health and happiness in the world".
