Between reschedules, cancellations, big events turned tiny and cancelled events being reimagined and back on, I’m using all of my resources to stay on top of this pandemic inspired event action. One thing I love that has come out of all of this, is the return to what’s really important to the couple - getting married and having a fun party to celebrate! Don’t get me wrong, I love details, and I’m good at waving a magic wand of calm over an event when those details need managing, But, there have been times in my career when obsessions over details have taken over the whole event, and put a damper on what should be a sweet, meaningful and fun celebration of love! Like the time the bride’s mom was sure the venue had the wrong centerpieces out, so she missed her hair appointment to remove them all herself, only to find out they were correct, and now were all damaged, and her hair was not getting done. Or the time the bride insisted that the caterer include multiple kids meals, and lamented over the offerings, and how they should be served, and where the kids would sit, only to forget all of that when she decided to not invite kids to the wedding at all! What I’ve noticed this year is lots of low key decor, bigger food and drink budgets, smaller guest lists in general, more full service planning, and what I would call a feeling of “casual stress” from most bridal couples - just glad to be getting married, and so thrilled that anyone could come and celebrate with them, in whatever way they can, and they just aren’t sweating the small stuff. As event professionals, it’s our job to sweat the small stuff, and I think more than ever, it just makes sense to have a planner to handle those details so your Mom isn’t sad, sweaty and looking like she just rolled out of bed in your photos, and you and your new spouse aren’t choking down 30 kids meals for weeks after the wedding. And, everyone agrees that the photos are soooooo much better when the couple and guests are relaxed and enjoying themselves. I think that’s a good thought for all of us to remember when we are stressed by this pandemic, or life in general, or the little details of our big day - if our lives were caught on camera, wouldn’t we want the photos of us to show us relaxed and enjoying our lives, in spite of imperfect details? Remember, real life has no filter so don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember, it’s all small stuff!
Jamie & Andy
Every couple worries about rain on their wedding day, especially if the ceremony is outdoors, and in spite of guests reassuring them that rain is good luck, most couples still wish for clear skies. For Jamie and Andy, I don’t think there was a single worry that the day wouldn’t turn out perfectly, no matter what, and they already felt lucky, just being together. The rain was pretty steady all morning, and everyone was prepared to have the ceremony inside. About 15 minutes before we were to start, the clouds parted, the sun peeked out and the rain stopped, and the venue coordinator, Julie, got the chairs wiped off, and guests ushered outside, and it was on! Rain just makes everything look fresh and clean doesn’t it? The aisle was glistening, and the flowers were dewy, and the air was just crisp. So, the ceremony got underway, and I couldn’t help but mention before we got going that it really was some kind of wonderful that it had rained. See, Jamie and Andy got together in the rain! Sometimes, you can really feel the energy of the love that people have for each other, and for the couple getting married, and on this day, it was electric! I love, love, love, meeting couples and hearing their stories about how they got together, and putting that into the words that become their ceremonies. Some stories are cute or funny, and some are heartbreaking right up until the time they meet and life changes. Jamie and Andy were right under each other’s noses for their whole lives, and it took the energy of love, and rain, to bring them together, and then, they promised forever. Being a wedding officiant reminds me that love is so worth celebrating, whenever we can, rain or shine.