Kaitlin and Nathan: Perspective is Key!

I’ve lost count on the number of events I’ve planned over the years (well more than a couple hundred, or even a few hundred) and I’ve honestly lost count of the “crazy stories” that I have to share from past client events too. I know that, because well, whenever people say “What’s the craziest wedding story you have?” I really honestly have to think about. Truly, really hard! But, I think that’s because in this crazy, stressful, fun, whatever it takes profession, you just learn to roll with the punches and nothing really seems crazy anymore. But, on the flip side of that coin, if someone were to ask me, what love story do you remember the most, or do you have clients that inspire you, I could easily name a handful. No problem!

I always say that my dream clients allow me to plan their weddings for them so that they can focus on their marriage. One of those clients really sticks out in my brain. First, Let’s back up MANY years. Maybe 6 or 8 years ago, a work colleague said to me “when my daughter Kaitlin gets married, you’re going to plan her wedding”. Of course, I smiled and said “Ok,” but I didn’t think anything of it. I remember the conversation, but I have that talk quite a bit (comes with the territory), but it doesn’t always come to fruition. Only, this time, it did. When Kaitlin got engaged, sure enough, her sweet mom called me and said “I told you, when the time came, you were planning the wedding, so we need to meet.” And she was no joke. As being a behind the wedding scenes person for years, she knew who to use, (and certainly who not to use), and we went into planning full swing. Only…this was different. Kaitlin gave me her ideas, her vision, and a few sparse (I’ll say very sparse and broad) notes, and her mom and I went with it. I truly got to plan her wedding, so that she could focus on her marriage. And, I, of course, loved it!

But here is the thing. Kaitlin and her mom chose a venue that was not really quite a venue yet. It was in the process of being renovated, it had good bones, but not much yet to offer. There was no space large enough to hold all of her guests for an inside ceremony were it to rain, or even dinner. We’d have to build tents, and work with the really old barn on property. All things not out of the norm, but just things that create a bit more work logistically. Kaitlin and her beloveds job had them move in the middle of planning, so, really her mom and I were on our own. We had a blast, we became really close, and I truly LOVED the process. I had the best time. And I tell you all of this, because, again, I had a client that was truly trusting in my work, my experience, and that I knew her vision. Her mom would say “if that’s what you think, that’s what we’ll do.” Or “if you think Kaitlin will love it, that’s what we’ll do.” So much of the wedding day look, was a surprise to Kaitlin, yet it wasn’t. She knew that we were working off of her original vision that she had shared with us, and details that she had shared throughout the process, but as her mom and I were the “Team on the ground,” she wasn’t fully sure how we were pulling everything together.

But here is the true story of the wedding day that inspired me. Why I am sharing them with you today. It rained. All day. Literally all day. That misty, gross, you just feel wet kind of rain, ALL DAY. Without even a blip on the radar. We had no idea it was going to be a wet disaster of a day, and yet, it wasn’t. Kaitlin was so full of grace, and kindness. When I asked her what she wanted to do, she said “I chose an outdoor venue, we are going to get married out doors,” and at that moment, I fell in love a little more! It was so inspiring, and truly a breath of fresh air to me, that she realized, no matter what was happening her and Nathan were still tying the knot. It didn’t matter the weather, rain or shine (just like life) they were going to be married. We did everything just as we had planned. A gorgeous ceremony, outside in front of the water… in the rain. And portraits, under a small under hang of the barn, while it rained. Dinner in a tent (Thankfully, no mushy wet food), and then we planned for dancing in the rain. (Which, honestly, would have been amazing). But, then without warning, the sky dried and the most amazing, and gorgeous dance party, in front of the barn, and under the stars began. It was like a dream.

I was reminded that there are some amazing couples out there that understand there is more to a wedding day than just perfect weather and perfect celebrations. There is real life, and real love. And, hopefully, no matter the weather, we keep moving forward.