Your wedding day is one of the most wonderful expressions of LOVE, two people committing themselves to each other, their hearts merge and form a single unit.  You blend families, celebrate with your friends and you have a vision of what your day would look like… sounds pretty simple right…. or at least you thought so, welcome to planning a wedding during COVID-19!

Having just said goodbye to a dreary 2020, we enter 2021 with great anticipation.  With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, I thought this to be the perfect time to sum-up Melissa and Eric’s 2020 Fairytale Love Story Wedding and their roller-coaster ride thanks to COVID-19.

…. Once upon a time…..  It’s October of 2017, Melissa and Eric meet via an on-line dating site and like all 1^st meetings, it starts casual.  But when it’s meant to be, it blossoms like a beautiful flower. 

I gained an insight of what Melissa loves about Eric, this is what she told me:  “He’s sweet and generous, attentive and so caring”.  She says Eric reminds her of how her dad took care of the family, “Eric shows these qualities and strengths effortlessly”.  Sadly, Melissa’s dad passed just before she and Eric met; you can almost say it was like Melissa had an angel watching over and guiding Eric in her direction. 

Fast forward to October 2018, almost one year to the date of their 1^st introduction, they find themselves at Disney World Florida.  Perfectly planned, Eric proposes to his princess in front of the Castle …. And of course, she says YES!   

  Stock Photo 

In 2019 the wedding preparations begin, Melissa and Eric enlist the guidance of Sarah Teed, Owner of Events By Sarah Megan to help them plan for a Disney inspired dream wedding.  First step:  choosing the perfect venue.  Deer Creek Banquet Facility in Ajax was chosen, and now this couple is ready to start planning their May 23, 2020 dream wedding, or so they thought,  …. along came COVID-19 and everything comes to a screeching halt !

As they and the rest of us are in a holding pattern, the emotional roller-coaster begins.  Since no dresses or suits can be collected or altered and no venue can open, their date morphs while navigating all the changes, from May 23 to July 12 to October 18, 2020.  With no further COVID break in sight, they choose to cancel their larger plans altogether.   Instead, on April 5, Melissa and Eric, following the COVID protocols allowing only 5 people, exchanged vows and rings in her mother’s backyard, Norman Martin (Martin Wedding Officiants) presided the ceremony service.  This was not exactly what Melissa and Eric dreamed of or planned.

Melissa and Eric’s dream of a grander celebration squashed, all seems rather bleak doesn’t it ! But in true Fairytale style, a glimmer of hope shines in mid-July!  Their dresses and suits are now available to collect, outside gatherings with a few more people were permitted, and an opportunity presented itself.  The wedding was once again on, and now scheduled for August 15, 2020.

August 15^th, the day had finally arrived!  With countless emotions and changes already endured since the start of the year, this August day brought a much-needed sense of tranquility alongside a warm breeze with a beautiful blue-sky backdrop.  Their 120 guest wedding had been transformed into a private and intimate 15 family member and friends Micro-Wedding, all nestled outside at Deer Creek’s North Gazebo.

Annie Lane Events created a dreamy setting at the Gazebo with soft flowing material, shepherd hooked lanterns and an aisle runner.  The bride’s vibrant bouquet by Van Belle Flowers matched the colour scheme and we (ForeverSounds DJ Services) provided the soundtrack as the handsom groom, dapper in his Moores suit, lovingly watched his radiant bride proceed down the aisle towards him. 

Everyone looked gorgeous with Hair and Makeup provided by Katie Lynne Hair.  Under that incredible blue sky and feeling that warm air blowing all around us, the processional begins.   Around the corner there is an excited 3 year old flower girl along with the bride’s mom, both wearing dresses from One Love One Dream, eager to escort the stunning bride (wearing a David’s Bridal gown) and you can feel everything falling into place.  The ceremony was performed “again” by Norman Martin and all the memories and details were expertly captured by Neil and Danielle of TNM Photography. 

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to yummy cupcakes by Cupcakes Canada, and keeping with the COVID protocols in mind, the guests congratulated the couple then soon left.   

Typically following the ceremony, guests would have proceeded to a cocktail hour while the couple, family and bridal party take part in the photo session.   Instead, at the Gazebo for the next 2 hours following the ceremony, a handful of us stayed and even though no “guest” dancing was permitted, ForeverSounds’ DJ (Dan) played a variety of music, allowing for Melissa and Eric to experience a “wee bit” of their original plan.   Dan even took requests, it made for a unique and special 2 hour photo session !

With ForeverSounds’ Marquee Letters (LOVE) placed inside the Gazebo, Melissa and Eric used this opportunity to share their 1^st dance as husband and wife.  Family and bridal party surrounding the Gazebo watched-on, TNM Photography captured every detail, you couldn’t help but feel the romance.  Warm air washed over them and the moment felt like… a Fairytale.

Through all the roller-coaster of emotions and set-backs, Melissa and Eric’s wedding ended up being an intimate wedding and just perfect for them. 

Following the 1^st dance at the Gazebo and photos, they proceeded to a family dinner, celebrating the end of that perfect day. 

Congratulations Melissa and Eric, thank you for having us along your journey and to witness true love while providing the soundtrack and LOVE letters.

Despite all the changes and adjustments in 2020 thanks to COVID, one thing remained constant, Love Conquers All         

Micro-Weddings can provide you with all the passion, romance and creativity you deserve.  

Susan, (Owner/Lead Planner)

ForeverSounds DJ Services                  905-434-4988                  sdk@foreversoundsmdj.com        

.... Happily Ever After.....