Chrissy's Wedding: Hunter and Maria Real Weddings Blog

Planning a wedding is stressful enough, but current brides are dealing with wedding planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is another challenge entirely. Through all the ups and downs, Hunter and Maria defeated all odds and were able to hold their dream wedding despite having to follow COVID regulations. This couple truly embodied patience and flexibility leading up to their big day. About a month and a half before their August wedding date, their original venue canceled all of their upcoming events due to the pandemic. While most people would have completely panicked, Hunter and Maria switched gears and decided to hold their wedding reception in the groom’s backyard in Butler county, where restrictions were a bit more flexible. Even with the changes, real weddings can still embodied the romantic atmosphere that they were hoping for.

Before their ceremony began, the bride and groom had their first look outside of New Community Church in Wexford. Their pictures were stunning and included their newborn daughter, Marliana.

The couple said “I Do” inside the church in front of a circular arch decorated and designed by their florist, Julie James. The arch was covered in white flowers, lots of greenery, and was set in between two floral pieces on either side of the stage. It was a beautiful place for real weddings!

After the ceremony, guests went back to the groom’s house for the reception. The space was very romantic with lots of greenery, white flowers, candles, and gold chargers. They had eucalyptus candle centerpieces that were white with gold compotes, live wooden chandeliers with greenery, and throne seats at the sweetheart table for the happy couple. Both the sweetheart table and the cake table were also decorated with sparkly accent linens from Mosaic.

Since the couple’s family is Italian, they also included lemon accents. They had a limoncello making party and bottled their own drinks to give their famous Pellegrini limoncello to all of their guests as a wedding favor. The cake table was also lined with bottles of the beverage to be poured on top of the lemon buttercream cake.

After dinner, guests had a wonderful time dancing to the amazing DJ who created a fun atmosphere for guests even in a backyard on a hot, August evening. Through all of the chaos that the pandemic caused for the couple, Maria and Hunter’s mom were able to truly reinvent the day so that they were still able to celebrate. Stories like Maria and Hunter’s show that it is possible to have your dream wedding even if you don’t think it’s your dream wedding. Never give up hope and always remember why you’re celebrating.