Madison + Joe

Peppy, happy, and sweet, there wasn't much that could bring Madison down...until the coronavirus, that is.

Madison was like a ray of sunshine. Seriously. Girl walked into Starbucks to meet me for a consult one day and my whole week felt brighter, somehow. We talked about vendors she had booked, others I recommended, and the things that mattered most to her and her fiancé, Joe. I truly love all my clients, but sometimes you meet someone new and at the end of that first meeting, you're lovestruck. That's how I felt after meeting Madison.

I soon had the pleasure of meeting Joe and her parents, and fell in love with them all. Joe was funny and intelligent, and he was one of those guys that made friends at all our vendor meet and greets. We ended a long day of vendor meetings with macaroons at La Petite Delicat, giving me a chance to really connect with Madison's parents, Debra and Kenneth. I felt great about moving forward with their wedding, and hoped they did, too! For some reason this crazy, fun-loving family accepted me in as if I was one of their own, and for that kindness I am forever grateful.

We moved through planning effortlessly, checking off to-do's systematically. We loved all things wedding, but really felt on fire when we talked design. From the colorful donut wall to the custom seating chart, we infused chic southern charm into every detail. The overall design was just like Madison - bright and colorful. Intention is so important, so we focused our efforts where they would matter most; the ceremony was simple but elegant, with impactful blooms from Bloom Floral Design of KY. Kentucky charm was everywhere with bourbon barrels, stave candle holders, and barrel heads. We glammed things up a bit with refined elements like a custom table linen for the sweetheart table and metallic candlesticks from Bloom. Our design boards were finalized and we thought we were home free...

...and then, coronavirus hit. We weren't too concerned as it all seemed so far away at that time. We couldn't fathom the news about people sick in other countries affecting our May wedding. But then, the virus began spreading across the country, and we began hearing talk of quarantines and restrictions. Madison is a nurse, so she was on the front lines and hearing about the devastation on a daily basis. For the first time, we weren't too optimistic.

I cried with Madison as we talked through what was happening and how her wedding may be affected. We truly had no idea what to expect. With just a few weeks left in planning and a heavy heart, Madison and Joe chose to postpone until July. We all prayed and lost a lot of sleep hoping that it would be enough.

Things were quiet for the next couple months as the industry screeched to a halt. We kept apprised of each new restriction and began feeling out other vendor policies. As the weather grew warmer, the virus growth began to slow, and the restrictions put in place seemed to be holding strong. As we got closer, we made the decisions to reduce the guest list and implement safety measures to keep everyone comfortable.

July came and with it, one of the happiest weddings I've had the joy of witnessing. We expected rain all day and debated whether or not to move the ceremony inside. Obviously with a venue like Talon, the prime spot is at the arbor on the ridge, but when moving on a rain plan, we need a couple hours to adjust all the logistics. I'll never forget Madison's dad saying, "We're having this wedding outside, no matter what. We are going to roll the dice and hope that we're lucky." We walked down the aisle a few minutes late, but as the clouds broke and the sun peeked through, Madison and Joe became husband and wife.

Even though it was their celebration, it was like we were all celebrating something that night. Madison and her dad danced to a sweet song and then broke out into CELEBRATION with a choreographed hit. Joe cut the cake with his Marine sword, and I'm so proud to say he did NOT smash cake in Madison's face! We had chicken and waffles, yummy cookie cake (a new favorite of mine), and plenty of delicious Talon wine. Guests enjoyed a beautiful summer evening on the patio, and eventually did dance the night away, albeit more spaced out than normal. Everything felt so surreal, and normal. It was absolutely amazing to see the world move forward amidst such a terrible pandemic, and I am forever grateful to Madison and Joe for their eternal optimism and cheer. All the best to you both (and Murphy, too) -