Helena & Conor spent over 2 years with us planning their dream wedding…because of COVID. We planned, we pivoted, we waited, we re-booted, switched venues and finally celebrated like there was no tomorrow! They were surrounded by family, friends and good weather while exuding the most joyful, present, selfless mindset I have ever witnessed in a couple on their wedding day. It was incredible. They were incredible.
Personally, and unbeknownst to me at the time, this particular wedding week would be like none other. More on that later.
First, let me share some highlights!
Ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Knoxville, TN
Reception at Crescent Bend House & Gardens
Design & Details
Helena & Connor wanted a classic, fresh look for their wedding day with all the navy, white and gold accents! They wanted their guests to feel welcomed, comfortable and inspired. Mission accomplished.
Helena & Conor were ALL IN from start to finish. They had waited a long time for this day and were determined to ENJOY every second, LOVE everyone attending AND keep their FOCUS on each other.
It was a conscious choice.
A mindset.
And, it worked.
The Unbridled JOY!
“BEHIND THE SCENES”
On a personal note.
As I mentioned at the start of this post, I had no idea what this week for me would personally entail, but smack dab in the midst of flowers and preparations, I got a call. My father who had been sick for the past couple of months had taken a turn and was not doing well.
What? Last time I went up to see him he was on the road to recovery. He was going to be fine. What were they talking about? Should I fly back up? How in the world do I leave in the middle of a wedding week? You can imagine the emotions and confusion.
My team - Robin MacLean and Katelyn Kent Roth - were in the studio with me and absolute rockstars in the middle of my crisis. Long story short, they got me on a plane to NY and assured me they could handle the wedding without me and it would be great. I knew they were right.
I made it to NY six hours before my Dad passed away. I got to kiss his face a 100 last times and say good-bye to one of the greatest men I have ever encountered.
I cannot properly put into words how grateful I am to Robin and Katelyn for helping and loving me that week. How grateful I was to have a team that was well trained and ready to carry on without me. Along with their love and support came the support of our wedding vendors (who were all amazing) and “friendors” who called to offer help and some who even came. You know who you are. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of others. So good to know you are not alone and people will rally for you. An amazing gift.
I made it back for the wedding. My father would’ve wanted me to return and “finish the job.” I had grown up watching my Dad run his business and treat his clients with the resolve of a champion and the heart of a friend. I knew what to do in this moment because he had taught me well.
So, in the midst of my grief I got to witness Helena & Conor get married. I got to watch love in motion. I got to busy my hands and process my pain in the middle of something beautiful. In the middle of work. I got to watch Helena cherish her father and it made me smile. I also got to be on the receiving end of kindness which buoyed me and touched my broken heart.
Helena & Conor’s wedding reminded me of a number of truths and provided some take-aways. Here they are:
Beauty and pain often happen together all at once.
We are given grace for our circumstances enabling us to do what we need to do.
Surround yourself with good people.
Realize you are not alone and people, even strangers, will rally for you.
Good planning and prep carry you through when the unexpected happens.
All of life is beautiful and a gift—even the hardest parts.
One last note, on the morning of the wedding, Katelyn’s beloved dog “ Bo” passed away. Yes, really. She was up all night and still arrived at the Studio that morning ready to roll. Grace under pressure. After a good hug, we all got to work and determined to make Helena & Conor’s day THE BEST DAY EVER. I think we actually did!
THIS WEEK. THIS DAY. IT WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HARD WORK AND TALENT OF THIS TEAM:
Windsor & Willow: Planning, Design and Florals (Team: Robin MacLean, Katelyn Kent Roth, Erica Mason, Holly Hill Dickert and, me:), Eileen Sommi)
Photography: Jennifer Crook Photography
Stationary: Wallace Paper Company
Catering & Bar: Catering By The Tracks
Rentals & Draping: All Occasions Party Rental & Jason McClure
Venues: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Crescent Bend Home & Garden
Hair & Make-Up: Bangs N’ Blush
DJ/Entertainment: Megan Taylor/Fig Media, SOS Audio & Events, TN Guitar & Sound
Coffee Bar: Tree Top Coffee & Honeybee
Cake: Benefit Your Life
Signage: Elms Lettering
Transportation: Regal Carriages, Knoxville Trolley
