Times may be changing and we are all learning to let go of patterns and ideas that we once had, but let’s be clear about one thing: love is not cancelled! Oh no, my friends. Now, more than ever is the time to be celebrating something positive and joyous. Taylor & Parker are a perfect example of a beautiful love story that pivoted and persevered during these uncertain times. They embraced the current situation and chose to lean into the “new norm” after COVID-19 spread across the world, one country at a time. With a mature “anything is possible” mind frame, the soon-to-be Newlyweds entrusted wedding planner, Abby Gallagher, to convert their elaborate Bahia Mar wedding plans into a perfectly simplified version. Meet the “Micro-Wedding”, the newest trend in weddings this year.
Social distancing policies designed to curb the spread of the Corona Virus have effectively ruled out large gatherings and thus transformed weddings into far more intimate occasions. Time was ticking for these two lovebirds and the pressure was on to find a suitable venue for their updated wedding plans. When the Mother of the Bride stepped forward and offered her home along the New River, it was a no brainer. What better place to say their vows than at a family home surrounded by the people they love most?
The original 185 guest list was reduced to 15 people, including the bride and groom. You may think this would hinder the overall spirit of the event but think again! Nothing was going to stand in the way of Taylor and Parker sharing their wedding day with their most cherished humans near and far. The officiant wore wireless earbuds, the big-screen TV was hooked up, and we hosted a live video call on Zoom for over 100 guests. The entire ceremony was voice-casted so that loved ones, wherever they were, could witness Taylor & Parker say “I do”. Immediately following the service, a toast was made to the Newlyweds and all were able to celebrate together.
The reception was every bit as magical as the ceremony. Tiki torches lined the yard and the atmosphere held a warm and relaxed vibe. Petit 2 to 4 person dining tables were draped in crisp white linens, courtesy of Best Rental Service, and set with candle-lit lanterns and arrangements of greenery and white tropical flowers. Halls of Ivy floral designers applied the original minimalistic floral design concept and skillfully modified it to suit the updated scale of the event. It was a classy affair, indeed.
We followed protocols and wore our facemasks. To maintain minimal numbers, service was limited to Blue Orchid’s dynamic team of… drumroll, please … one. That’s right; Abby wore multiple hats that day. On top of planning, setting up and coordinating the entire event, Abby acted as the sole service team for the entire dinner party.
The bar station was stocked with single-serving wine flutes and buckets of beer to eliminate the spread of germs from multiple hands touching the same bottles. There were charming pre-rolled cutlery bundles, individually packaged meals from Eggwhites Catering, and a beautifully designed cupcake tier by the experts at Sweeter Days Bake Shop.
The most important detail of any wedding is the two people being bound together. Taylor and Parker hold an incredible amount of respect and admiration for one another and it was evident throughout the entire wedding planning process. The wedding day may have deviated from what they had originally envisioned, but an abundance of love still managed to fill the air and creative photographer, Joshua Kane Photography, captured the magic perfectly. Let these newlyweds be confirmation that in a time with many unknowns, love is definitely not cancelled.
