Emily & Sam's Summer Soirée at The Lodge at Mount Ida Farm: Pandemic Planning

When I started working with Emily and Sam to plan their wedding in early 2019, we never expected this pandemic! Luckily these two were superstars at handling all the changes and the unknown (Emily is a kindergarten teacher - chaos is something she always manages!) and we were able to make changes and pivots along the way and keep the wedding of their dreams happening in 2020! The photos below of their wedding are from Mikkel Paige Photography.

The couple's guests traveled from all over Virginia and Tennessee to celebrate Emily and Sam, and what a beautiful wedding celebration it was! A bright blue sky full of sunshine, a beautiful floral color palette, and endless joy from the guests at this intimate wedding made the day so memorable and fun.

With a guest count of 38, socially distant seating and service, and a wonderful group of vendors, Emily and Sam's wedding was stunning, joyful, and full of love! It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to make a wedding feel effortless the day of, and these two plus their vendor team worked seamlessly with me to make it happen. Read on to see the beautiful celebration!

Socially-distant changes we made:

• Space between each ceremony chair, set in a semi-circle

• At tables that could seat 12, we sat six or less

• Guests only seated with others with their current #quaranteam

• Indoor and outdoor cocktail hour + reception options

• A reception table outdoors for socially distant guests

• Marked spots on the floor six feet apart when waiting for the bar or restroom

• Masks and personal hand sanitizer bottles available for all guests

• Wedding vendors in masks for duration of the event

• Check out my Instagram stories to see these plans in action!

A gorgeous view on a gorgeous day!

We set up the chairs in a socially distant manner, and provided more seating than necessary in case guests preferred additional space.

Plenty of space between each table in the beautifully draped barn.

Hand sanitizer bottles that read "To have + to hold and to not catch a cold. or COVID 19".

Individually-portioned appetizers on disposable spoons

After unburying the bourbon. This southern tradition worked for E+S- they had perfect weather on their wedding day!

Venue: The Lodge at Mount Ida Farm

Caterer: A Sharper Palate

Photographer: Mikkel Paige Photography

Videographer: Daryll Morgan

DJ: King Studios

Ceremony Musicians: The Bloom Trio

Florist: Vogue Flowers

Rentals: MS Events Cville

Hair & Makeup: Avenue 42

Baker: Paradox Pastry

Paper Goods: By Invitation Only

Bridal Gown: Essence of Australia

Suit: Generation Tux

Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie

Wedding Planner: Mary Elizabeth Events