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O N T E C I TO
by Kelly Mahan
Gabrielle Gossner
& William Burke
This doctor duo met while working at the University of Michigan
Medical Center; Gigi and Bill decided to stay together despite Bill’s
relocation to New York City. Two years later, Gigi also moved to New
York and moved in with her beau; just months later they were devastated
when Gigi was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bill, knowing he wanted to
marry her no matter what, quietly proposed in their apartment before
Gigi underwent surgery.
Two years and a clean bill of health later – on September 18, 2009 –
the couple married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, with
a reception following at the Biltmore. Gigi, who attended UCSB, had
always hoped to come back to the Santa Barbara coast to be married. The
theme was Old Hollywood Glamour, which the couple accomplished with
mirrored candlesticks, rhinestone napkin holders, damask patterns, black
chandeliers, and a vintage Rolls Royce to transport the couple from the
church to the reception. The bride wore an old-fashioned birdcage veil,
designed by local seamstress Mercedes Trump, who also added beaded
straps to the bridal gown to cover her surgery scar.
Vocalist Oya Thomas sang “Grace and Gratitude” at the Catholic
ceremony. “When you are diagnosed with cancer, you really step back
and take a look at your life: what you are thankful for and what’s really
important,” Gigi said. “I wanted to express gratitude to my family and
ome to award-winning resorts,
sprawling estates, sparkling beaches
and historic churches; it’s no wonder
hundreds of couples, young and old, choose to wed in Montecito each
year. The following are stories of four couples that could not imagine
tying the knot anywhere else.
summer
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