Bridal Suite at The Press Room, Knoxville, TN.
This wedding presented a unique set of circumstances for us. It was like the perfect storm. In the midst of the planning and dreaming process, there were all kinds of health issues - serious ones. The Mother-of-the Bride's mom needed her attention and help, Beth (co-owner of Windsor & Willow) was recovering from breast cancer (she is doing great!) and my man was diagnosed with colon cancer requiring surgery the day before the wedding (#cancersucks). It was a lot. Too much really.
But, life keeps moving and Macy and Ryan deserved an epic day. So, with collaboration, determination, grace and hard work we kept moving forward with our goal of making it beautiful, memorable and joyful!
Life is often messy - all the good and not so good happening at the same time. Our choice in it is how to respond: Do we crumble and fall? Do we throw up our hands? Do we press on and focus on the good? Call for help? We all have choices to make.
The key to the success of this wedding was that all of us decided to focus on Macy and Ryan and what they deserved on their wedding day. Despite what was happening around us, we made decisions that would enable love and beauty to prevail. Love would win despite the illness, surgery, diagnosis and lack of time. Beauty would reign despite the not so beautiful.
Seating Chart by Tina Fain
With the help of a great team, we made bouquets, arbors, and arrangements. We welcomed guests, put out water and cued music. We watched two become one - husband & wife - and it was beautiful. And once the flowers were done, I returned to Fort Sanders Regional Hospital to sit by my husband's bedside and receive the good news - the cancer was gone and there would be no need for radiation or chemo. Yes, "in sickness and in health."
Florals by Windsor & Willow
Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Galyon
Are they not stunning?
So, here's to Macy & Ryan! Here's to love that endures! Here's to making it happen and allowing love and beauty to win the day!
Enjoy the photos by Kels Prater and THANKS to the team listed below:
Ceremony Venue: The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum
Ceremony Floral Design & Personal Florals: Windsor & Willow
Reception Venue: The Press Room
Reception Florals: Lisa Foster Design
Officiant: Pastor Bart Pederson
Planning: Windsor & Willow
Band: Young Hearts Band
Catering: The Press Room
Cake: Whisk & Batter
Wedding Dress: Lillian Ruth Bridal
Transportation: Knoxville Trolley
