Kids & Family

Help this Local Couple Win Free Wedding Photography

Fate brought Angela Plachy and Paul Vanderhei together—but you can help them win free wedding photography.

Angela Plachy can look back and say she wasn't in a healthy situation.

Three years ago, the Mokena native was smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. She battled low self-esteem and loneliness. But she says she was shaken to reality when she fainted in February 2011, knocking loose two teeth and requiring stitches. 

That was it, she said. Her "rock bottom." She quit smoking "cold turkey", and vowed to be better to herself, including hiring a personal trainer. 

Meanwhile, Paul Vanderhei was laid off from his job in transportation, and began caring for his ill father. He decided to return to his passion: personal training. He was hired at then-Cardinal Fitness (now Charter Fitness). 

His first day on the job, was the day Angela signed up. 

"It was fate," Plachy said. "I know we were meant to meet that day."

"From then on, Paul changed my life," she said. "He helped me believe in myself, and to have faith in myself. We became best friends. I am now the healthiest and happiest I have ever been in my life.  I'm so thankful for my 'rock bottom' because then I wouldn't have met Paul."

The two—now Frankfort residents—are competing for a free wedding photographer for their July 10, 2015 nuptials. The contest runs through Endless Photography of Mokena's Facebook page. People are invited to "like, comment and share" the photo of their favorite couple now through June 1. The couple with the most love from fans will be declared the winner. To vote for Plachy and Vanderhei, "like, share or comment" on their photo on the Endless Photography page. 

"I feel that our story shows that you should never give up hope," Plachy said. "And you will meet the love of your life when you least expect it." 


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