In these times of uncertainty, many couples have been forced to postpone their weddings due to COVID-19, but this Springfield, IL couple decided they were going to forge ahead with a small and intimate ceremony at their family home. Keep reading to meet the new Mr and Mrs!
How did you two meet?
We met by chance at a bar for two totally different occasions, my best friends birthday and Derek’s best friend was celebrating his recent proposal! We say it was love at first sight because we haven’t stopped loving each other since. We have been together for almost 2 years in August 2020! Derek proposed 6 months and 2 days after the day we met! Like I said… love at first sight. But when you know, you know!
Original Wedding Plans
We wanted the BIG traditional wedding, I had it planned to a tee. A little over 300 guests would have been in attendance. We planned on having the ceremony and reception at the expo building and using all the wonderfully beautiful space there!
What was rescheduling your wedding like?
The best way to describe the emotions I had to go though with rescheduling our wedding was heart wrenching. The hard work and so much energy I put in to making this day unforgettable for not only Derek and I but everyone who came was overwhelming. Not a day went by where I was not talking about it, thinking about it, or actually working on something for the wedding. The decision to postpone the BIG wedding was definitely the hardest decision I had ever had to make.
What was your wedding day like?
Magical, there are just some emotions you can’t take away from a wedding day regardless if you have what you planned on having or not. Our wedding day was nothing short of amazing. I got to do the first look with my dad like I had planned. Derek’s face when he saw me, was everything I could have hoped for and more! I got to walk with my dad down our makeshift aisle, and that was something I was not able to let go of because that’s every girl’s dream. We cut our cake, and drove to downtown Springfield to get our pictures taken! We got home did our first dance alone in our living room, and ate out dinner which our caterer graciously still made for us. Opened our cards, and then went to the drive in to watch a movie! Super non-conventional but it is definitely unforgettable.
What was the process like postponing your reception?
Stressful, we had so many vendors working together to make our day perfect. I was so nervous rescheduling for some would be an issue but everyone was so understanding. It was so hard to “throw away” all my plans I worked so hard to put into motion. But I had to realize that I wasn’t “throwing them away” but just putting them on hold until next year.
Are you making any changes to your wedding now?
Yes yes yes!!! If I thought this wedding was going to be perfect this one next year will be even bigger and better! All those little things I just couldn’t fit into the budget this year I am fitting into it for next year! Things like custom cups, and hotel gift baskets for our guest are at the top of my list!
Any Regrets?
NOTHING!
Do you have any advice for other couples?
The sadness you are feeling having to cancel your big day is so valid and it is okay to grieve that. Just think how many couples can honestly say that have gone though what we are going though. Even though it might be a little soon, I’m sure we will be looking back on this and laughing at the amount of stress we were putting on ourselves! ALSO doesn’t this make
Vendor Shoutout!
Rentals/Decor- I Do Events
Wedding Planner/Decor/Florals- Taking the Leap Wedding Planning and Floral
Photographer: Kim Gunter Photography
Catering: Coopers Streatside Bistro
Cake: Three Twigs Bakery
Hair: Allison Hudspeth IG: @allisonhudspethmua
