This blog post is going to be an emotional one for me, I can just feel it.

I’ve spent the last couple of days trying to figure out how to write this.

Should I just leave out this pandemic? It’s been such a heavy part of every decision in the wedding planning industry. Or, should I make a small mention of it, but simply talk about how amazing the day was?

The reality is, Meredith and Tyler are so sweet. Their wedding is going to go in the books as one of my most favorite wedding days, for sure.

We started the day at the University of Dayton Marriott where Meredith and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The Marriott just so happened to be where the reception was going to be held. The morning was super laid back. Sometimes bridal suites can be hectic, but I swear, Meredith had the sweetest, most helpful bridesmaids!

The ceremony was held at Chapel of the Immaculate Conception in the University of Dayton. I’ve never actually been in this church, but it was stunning!

After the ceremony, we did some photos at the University of Dayton, as well as one of my favorite locations, Smith Gardens in Oakwood.

The reception was so emotional. I cried exactly 3 times. Once during the beautiful speech Meredith’s dad made before dinner, then again during the father/daughter dance (as always), and once during the maid and matron of honor speeches.

Meredith and Tyler’s wedding still makes me emotional to look at the photos. A typical wedding day blog is about 50-60 photos. Ya’ll, I started out with 150 culled for the blog and I had to tone it down! I truly loved so many of these photos. It was such a great day and I’m so sad it’s over!

 

I’m going to go off course for a minute.

I’ve witnessed first-hand, the struggles of planning a wedding in the middle of a pandemic. The pain of planning the biggest day of your life, then finding out you have to cut your guest list from 300 to 50, and your guests will have to wear masks. The guilt and worry that you’re making the wrong choice.

These brides are well aware of the rules, restrictions and risks. They’ve been watching the daily press conferences, biting their nails as the governor announces the new rules.

Please, give them some grace.

This sucks. Truly.

I know changes in wedding plans are nothing compared to what some are going through, but maybe take a minute to think about these brides and grooms who had to make some really difficult decisions. Offer them kindness, understanding, and please know if you didn’t make it on a guest list, it’s not personal. That couple is heartbroken you’re not able to be there.

This isn’t just a “party”.

This is the most important day of this couple’s life.

 

Be kind. Be compassionate.

 

Now, on to the fun stuff. Meredith and Tyler chose an amazing team of vendors! Don’t forget to check them out!

Ceremony Venue: Chapel of the Immaculate Conception  // Reception Venue: University of Dayton Marriott – Pavilion // Videographer: Reel Bliss Moments By Molly // Florist: Flowers By Des // Dress:  Relix Bridal – Lexington, KY | Madi Lane Bridal // Groom/Groomsmen Attire: JCPenny // Makeup Artist: Joy and Company // Hair: Hannah Combs // DJ: Good Vibration // Cake: The Cakery // Bridesmaid’s Dresses: The Dessy Group //Jewelry: Kendra Scott