Friday July 22, 2011, 1:53 pm

The 24-year-old Annie died this January from complications related to spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder she struggled with during her all-too-brief life.

The banquet hall is rented for Oct. 3, a jazz trio will play, the open bar's ready, and a steak dinner will be served, with options for chicken or a vegetarian course.

And while it may be strange to throw a wedding for someone who's passed -- and who was never engaged -- Annie's brother says it's worth it.

Multimedia Annie Hopkins
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Annie Hopkins More Multimedia "Out of the 400 people we thought might show up, we'll only have 250," says her brother, who goes by Stevie. "They just don't get it. That's fine. I'm down with being unique."

So was Annie. Though she was confined to a wheelchair most of her life, Annie managed to pursue a doctoral degree and even start her own company, 3E Love.

"3E Love is more than living disabled but is simply about living. Everyone has the freedom to live their life," says the web site.

"3E Love" stands for "Embrace diversity. Educate your community. Empower each other. Love life."

Annie also designed and trademarked the company's logo, a twist on the International Symbol of Access. The image replaces the wheel of the wheelchair symbol with a heart. 3E Love calls it the "International Symbol of Acceptance."

"Annie was a beautiful, vibrant woman with an unmatched sense of humor," said Katie Arnold, 23, Annie's life-long best friend. "She taught me so much about independence, acceptance of others, and always striving to do the best for yourself, your body, your friends, family and community."

"Annie didn't care that she couldn't walk. She was upset she couldn't dance," Annie's brother said. "Here is to hoping she's dancing now."

Annie's wedding will be open to the public and will also serve as a fundraiser for the Anne Hopkins Foundation, which grants scholarships to college students "who demonstrate a similar life's passion to Annie's to improve the lives of people with disabilities."

Further details about the event can be found at the Foundation's website and on Facebook.

Friday July 22, 2011, 2:34 pm
I'm sure Annie will be dancing away till her hearts contented, thank you BarbCat.

Friday July 22, 2011, 2:50 pm
I was so impressed with Annie's Spirit and ingenuity to start her own business....wow!! Annie had the foresight, a premonition, to start her own business...

Friday July 22, 2011, 5:29 pm
Noted. Thank you for posting this inspiring article, Barb.

Friday July 22, 2011, 7:12 pm
Dear Barb...went to the news at site before I saw you had it out there..

Heart Breaking at first, then uplifting!

Thank you for getting this special news out Barb! It should of been on TV and in the newspapers, shocking this is the only way I saw it! Sadly, can't star you Hun, but you soooo deserve at TON!

Friday July 22, 2011, 8:49 pm
Noted! Thanks Barb, and I'm so glad she's going to get her wish! Sad story tho'.

Friday July 22, 2011, 9:22 pm
What a bittersweet story, Thanks, Barb.

Saturday July 23, 2011, 2:26 am
thanks Barb, what a sweet story

Saturday July 23, 2011, 3:11 am
Noted, thank you Barb!

Saturday July 23, 2011, 5:01 am
thanks BarbCat, great inspirational story!!

Saturday July 23, 2011, 7:42 am
Thank you Barb, noted :-)

Saturday July 23, 2011, 9:15 am
With this story she is still touching people after she has moved on.

Saturday July 23, 2011, 9:56 am
A short life .... but one 2 b admired. An inspiration 2 all ... her legacy will live on. Bravo Annie

Saturday July 23, 2011, 1:39 pm
Noted, Thanks for the story!

Saturday July 23, 2011, 2:05 pm
Thanks for the article.

Sunday July 24, 2011, 1:10 am
Thanks for the article.

Sunday July 24, 2011, 9:17 am
Thank you Barb.
Bittersweet story indeed...
Hoping Annie is dancing now:)

Sunday July 24, 2011, 11:52 am
Thank you Danny for the article. I am glad she got her wish.

Monday July 25, 2011, 6:02 pm
Thanks for this beautiful story. And yes, I hope Annie is dancing now. Of course, thanks to her brother who has enough courage to make her dream comes true!

Friday July 29, 2011, 7:27 am
Sweet story. Thank you BarbCat.