DRIVE-BY WEDDING
Photography: Vasaturo Still and Motion
We had planned for a whole weekend of nuptial celebrations in Avalon, New Jersey. However, due to COVID-19, we improvised for a small ceremony at our Church (Sacred Heart Church in Havertown, PA) followed by a drive-by reception in our front yard!
John and I spent several months fixing up our first home. The night before Thanksgiving, we had a housewarming party -- or so I thought! Right before guests were expected to arrive, John got down on one knee in our kitchen and I said yes to living this life forever with him. We were just so happy! Soon after, our home filled up with family and friends (who were in on it the whole time, by the way!) and we partied the night away!
I was originally planning to wear the Nouvelle Amsale “Blakely” gown, however, I was unable to get my dress from the seamstress due to the stay-at-home order. In a pinch, I reached out to the Amsale design team to see if there was anything they could do. Our wedding was only four weeks away, so they asked me for my size and what kind of styles I liked as they checked their stock. The next morning, a beautiful package arrived on my doorstep with this stunning Little White Dress, and a sweet note from the Amsale Design team. I actually cried, I was blown away! In a time of so much sadness and uncertainty, their kindness and generosity was overwhelming. I am so grateful to the Amsale team for taking some of the COVID bridal stress off, and for making me feel beautiful in my dress on our unconventional day. I look forward to wearing my “Blakely” gown next year at our One Year Anniversary Bash!
Sadly, my Pop Pop had passed away just a few weeks before our wedding. A good friend told me that he just wanted a front-row seat as John and I said our vows, and I think that is absolutely true. I carried his Penn State Class ring tied into my bouquet, which one of my friends made for me. It was so special to me, and I really felt his presence celebrating with us all day.
My advice for brides-to-be is just go with the flow! Don’t lose sight of what is important, which is your love and the life you are beginning as a new family. Your wedding plans can be canceled due to a global pandemic, it can be unusually cold and rain cats and dogs, and your dream honeymoon could be exchanged for your own backyard, yet you can still feel like the happiest girl in the world.
Vendors: