And with that, my 2020 wedding season has wrapped up! What a year for weddings, y’all. I’m not even sure how to succinctly wrap up what this year has been like.

To the wonderful, resilient, flexible, and understanding couples I had the pleasure of working with this year, thank you for reminding me why I love this work, love serving you, and love seeing your marriages begin. Wedding dates, venues, guest counts, and hundreds of other details changed and shifted more times than I can count, and yet… and yet… these couples chose to focus on their unending love for one another, their upcoming marriages, and the bigger picture. They’ve chosen to celebrate their love stories, to be gracious and flexible in the midst of hard decisions, to choose meaning and depth over quantity of guests, and to remember what truly matters most. I am deeply grateful for each and every couple and their families as we navigated this year and their weddings. So much love, appreciation, and heartfelt thanks to y’all!

Getting to witness these intimate weddings this year was a breath of fresh air and exquisite celebration I never knew I needed so badly. These intimate events, some with as few as thirteen guests, were some of the most profound, extraordinary events I’ve ever witnessed or created. They were meaningful and heartfelt in the purest of ways, magical and unforgettable in their designs and ambiance, and the most beautiful, sincere reflection of our couples and their love. I reflect on these intimate celebrations not as second-rate plans but as the sweetest reminder of what weddings are truly, truly about: the most joyful, love-filled days, surrounded by your very nearest and dearest, celebrating your love and your new marriage. Cheers to that, forever and always.

In many ways, it’s been the hardest, most mentally exhausting, and most difficult year to be a wedding planner and small business owner. I am a bit worn down. But as I reflect back on this year, I am also incredibly overwhelmed and deeply grateful for all of the lessons learned, the wonderful and kind couples and families I’ve worked with, the flexibility, resilience, strength, and beauty that I’ve seen firsthand, the wedding industry’s resolve and the wildly talented vendors and friends I get to serve alongside, and the hope that I know deep in my heart.

If, at the end of the day, I have glorified God in all that I do and have served my couples to the very best of my abilities, then I will count this year (my 7th in business!) as a win. What a joy this journey is in so, so many ways, even when the days and conversations and upended plans are incredibly hard sometimes. Grateful, tired, and filled with hope and expectation for what’s to come! As we’ve come to say, love cannot be canceled, and this I know to be true.

I also can’t wait to share more from these extraordinary intimate weddings, but a sneak peek will have to do for now! First two photos by Jordan Maunder Photography, second two photos by Ally and Bobby Photography, and all planned and designed by Stephanie Shaul Events.