Summer is ending but there’s still another story to be told…
As Summer comes to a close I can’t help but to reminisce on the unexpected, wildly dramatic summer we have all faced. Just starting my new business in the beginning of the year my dreams felt boundless. This summer has been nothing but a challenge and struggle mentally. Lucky for me it has been beautiful, filled with emotion and most certainly filled with gratitude. As our lives have been forever changed we can’t help but to adapt and overcome what we have faced. Many of us had amazing plans for 2020, it felt like it was going to be THAT year ….ya know what I mean?
The universe had other plans and that’s okay.
Let me tell you what I was able to unexpectedly experience through out covid wedding summer season. Intimacy, thoughtfulness, raw emotion, family, gratitude, old time-honored traditions. One event in particular really meant the world to me. Another story to be told, when my sister Brittney said I do….micro wedding style.
Family, the single most important influence in one’s life. That’s exactly what this day entailed of. Our cousin Tiffany Zavitz and her husband Jono Zavitz so graciously lent our their backyard in Redding, CT. We had 15 guests, which consisted of immediate family only. During this time in June, CT allowed up to 20 people for outside events. Brittney and Frank were supposed to get married at The Surf Club on the sound in New Rochelle, NY. Which if you don’t know is a grand venue! Getting married in the backyard was a gigantic change from the wedding they were expecting to have.
Our father, is a chef. Our father owned a restaurant for over 15 years. Our father is now the executive chef at The Surf Club on the sound. So you can imagine how disappointed our family was when we weren’t able to celebrate the way we intended. Especially for my father, I remember him telling us he couldn’t wait to cook for our weddings and give us the wedding of our dreams! His dream was coming true! A beautiful venue and the kitchen that he can control (haha!) The venue may have been different but the food menu was still on point! We were lucky to say the least!
Knowing the wedding was going to be outdoors we decorated using outdoor elements, embracing nature. If you knew my sister, she does love a little rustic but she also loves her glitz and glam. I think we balanced that out perfectly for her, it was a rustic elegant affair! I picked wildflowers from the property and incorporated that throughout the table décor as well. Using what nature has to provide, we also cut up some wood in circles to incorporate to the décor. We wrapped bushes in twinkle lights provided by Bow and Rose and strung hanging lights over the dining area. Both my sister and mother worked hard to come up with ideas for the event and it all tied together so well in the end. Many challenges faced we worked hard with limited resources due to covid-19, ordering what was needed wasn’t an easy task.
The ceremony itself was along side a beautiful newly installed underground pool filled with floating lilies leading up to a gazebo decorated with florals and wildflowers from the yard. The backyard venue was seriously perfect. As the sun was setting, the golden hour among us it was the perfect summer evening. The light hit the trees in the most flawless and romantic way. The light also hit Brittney as she walked up to Frank, like a golden goddess. Brittney and Frank said their vows, as our cousin Tiffany ordained them.
We cried, we sat, we ate, we laughed, we danced, speeches were made, first dances were had alike any other wedding reception. We did everything you would normally and traditionally do for a larger scale wedding. Instead it was smaller, more personal, more intimate and incredibly beautiful to be apart of.
I had a gorgeous bouquet made for my sister by Karen at Bow and Rose, as well as cake flowers. We also rented a wooden display board from Bow and Rose to display photos of Brittney and Frank, it tied into the theme so perfectly. Hair and Makeup was done by me of course! What a special moment for me to glam my sister up on her wedding day, I found myself trying not to get teary eyed while doing so.
As the night came to a close, we celebrated with a firework display while roasting marshmallows, eating delicious cake and sending the bride and groom off as their first night as husband and wife!
As summer comes to a end, as the air becomes more crisp I’m looking forward to seeing how fall will evolve the way summer has within our current environment. Summer 2020 has been an unforgettable story, my sister’s wedding will always be a tale to tell. As it felt daunting and disappointing at first, it turned out to be something incredible, special and certainly unforgettable. Love will always conquer. As we share these memories together in the future and start off with “Remember that time….”
To the happy couple, I love you Brittney and Frank!
To my sister, Brittney. Happiest of birthdays to you today, may you flourish, shine and continue to be the strong, beautiful woman that I know you to be.
Peace + Love
Kara
Vendors -
Florals + Back Drop Rental - www.bowandrose.com
Hair + Makeup + Event Styling - www.beauty-alchemy.com
