Our family recently celebrated one of life’s sweetest milestones: our daughter’s wedding. It was a day full of joy, tears and far more planning than I ever imagined – from seating charts to sparkler send-offs.

Somewhere between the rehearsal dinner and the final dance, it struck me: Weddings have a lot in common with fundraising.

At a wedding, every guest matters. Each person is involved because they feel personally connected. Fundraising works the same way. People give because they feel part of the story. Similarly, just as the newlyweds made sure to thank every guest, meaningful relationships are deepened through personal, genuine gestures, where every gift – no matter the size – is celebrated.

Weddings also remind us that details matter. Whether it’s flower arrangements or place settings, small touches show we care. That same care shows up when we provide thoughtful communication and ensure accurate donor records. When we pay attention, people can sense that we care and trust grows.

All the planning and festivities reminded of a particular donor, Bob, who wanted to name a building in honor of his late wife, Susan. When it came time to finalize the building’s name, Bob’s initial thought was to use her formal name.

I’d known them for years and developed a relationship built on trust over time, so I felt free to ask: “Bob, what if you used your nickname for Susan?” It was the name their closest friends and family used as well. Upon hearing this, he teared up and nodded, yes.

It took a couple more years to complete the project, but in a moment, the building was designated the EverLovey Center, along with wraparound seating to be called Susan’s Porch – a place Bob enjoys visiting, greeting visitors and sharing stories.

This is the power of philanthropy: Through Bob’s personal giving, his connection to the nonprofit’s mission has grown deeper still. It reminds me that, in the same way, weddings aren’t the end. They’re the beginning of deeper relationships, and the same is true for philanthropy.