Amanda and Joe dreamed of a big wedding; imagining all of their family and friends sharing in the love at a gorgeous venue. They were devastated when the coronavirus hit and forced them to change their plans to a more intimate covid wedding in Kansas City.

There were two reasons they didn’t want to wait another whole year until having their wedding. Of course a big part of their decision was that they were too excited to be married already, waiting 12 long months seemed impossible. The second reason was Amanda’s adorable 92 year old grandpa. For as long as Amanda has been planning her wedding day she imagined her loving grandpa walking her down the aisle. They have such an amazing relationship, it would be hard for her to get married without him there as a witness to the ceremony.

“The moment it all hit me was when I was upstairs getting ready and I saw Joe walking in through the window. He was in his suit and I realized he is about to be my husband. We made it, and I felt so much relief.”

It was because of these reasons that they decided to postpone their grand wedding day for May 2021. They’re looking forward to throwing another big party for all of their family and friends at The Harlow but they wouldn’t have traded their intimate covid wedding in Kansas City for anything.

Planning a wedding during a pandemic is definitely stressful. Especially the coronavirus; rules and regulations were changing daily. Amanda and Joe felt like they were thrown every curve ball in the book. So many of their plans got changed, rearranged, and then changed again. Luckily they had family behind them helping take a little weight off of their shoulders. Amanda says she never thought the day would actually come after every hurdle they had to jump over during the planning process.

No matter how many times things had to be changed, Amanda and Joe kept their focus on their future marriage. They wanted their ceremony to reflect them as a couple, from when they first started dating to their first leap into being husband and wife.

“I loved how Joe was looking at me.
He just kept repeating “you are so beautiful” while his eyes were full of tears.
Definitely a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

During their ceremony I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room, I definitely was tearing up behind the camera and in my mask. There was so much love, and thought put into it. The officient spoke beautifully about Amanda and Joe, he talked about the importance of connection and how much admiration they both have for their families. Even though there were only 10 people, I’ve never been in a room that felt so full. Two families were truly connected with love.

Sometimes when you’re wedding planning you have to make a change of plans. It can be overwhelming, but it’s so important to take a step back and remember not to sweat the small stuff and lean on each other. Once you are up the aisle with the love of your life by your side, nothing else matters. It’s a moment for you two to feel like the only ones in the whole world – soak in that moment while you’re standing up their. This is it, it’s here, you made it. Your marriage is about to begin.

Tip from the Bride

“If anything, wedding planning during a pandemic taught me to be much more go with the flow and embrace everything with a sense of humor. It allowed me to just say “whatever happens, happens.” I know it sounds cliche but what they say is true.”

-Amanda

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Amanda and Joe’s intimate ceremony was at Linwood Lawn in Lexington.
Amanda’s dress is Jade by Maggie Sottero