“I refuse to let covid push around my wedding,” Keeley declared. By the time their original wedding date of June 7 came around, they lost track of how many plans came and went before they landed on the final one.

But you know what? By the end of their ceremony this past Sunday, Keeley beamed at me and said their wedding day turned out even better than they had originally envisioned. There was something magical about getting to start their marriage with the people closest to them- especially after months of distancing.

They originally had a large wedding planned at Redeemed Farm for June 7. There was uncertainty if the venue would even be allowed to be open on their date. When they learned that it would be open, they hoped and prayed they would still be able to get married on their original date with 10 people there, including themselves and vendors. Not long before the wedding, they recieved the amazing news that they could invite 30 guests, and naturally they were ecstatic!

They were forced to strip out of the unnecessary items that go along with wedding planning. The stuff that couples (including ourselves) spend way too much time stressing over and in the end isn’t actually all that important.

It came down to the two of them committing to each other in front of God and celebrating with their closest family and friends. They’ll still get to celebrate at a reception with all of the guests they were originally going to invite at a later date.

When Keeley was getting alterations made to her dress, the seamstress told her that covid brides were a different kind of bride. Determermined. Tough. And willing to go with anything.

That’s so true. I’m utterly amazed by the resillency of my couples this year. The process that led them to their wedding day was so tough. It was filled with tears, heartaches and many ups and downs. But in the end, it was perfect. Just how it was meant to happen.

 

The necklace that Keeley wore was an heirloom passed down through the generations of John’s family. It gave me goosebumps when I saw the note listing all of the people who had worn it, dating back to 1927. John’s mom Joyce had the honor of putting the necklace on Keeley that morning.

Brides- be mindful of the location you choose to get ready in on your wedding day. It sets the tone for the day, and having a gorgeous getting ready room makes a huge difference. This room at Redeemed Farm is stunning! It’s clean and simple with tons of natural light and it even has a loft!

Keeley opted for a first look with her dad before her first look with John. Both men were completely overwhelmed with emotion when they saw her. It was so sweet!

They chose to write their own vows which is always a highlight of the ceremony. John is a musician so he sang his vows to Keeley. I had never seen that before, and it was so sweet!