I'll never forget when I got the text from Kristina that she had met someone...and her name was Erica. My initial thought was, "wait, seriously? Boy-crazy Kristina?" but my question to her was pretty simple, "Are you happy?" Which was followed by a resounding YES.
Kristina and I grew up together and were inseparable for years. We've held each other in a special place in our hearts ever since, a place that only a childhood best friend can hold.
Wedding Planning in a Pandemic
A few years later, I got the text that Kristina wanted me to help plan their wedding. I was overjoyed and ready to jump right in. Unfortunately they were getting married in a pandemic and needed additional support, a feeling which I knew all too well. Instead of walking down the aisle myself, on 7-25-20 I drove to Sandy Hook, CT to meet with Kristina and Erica, the perfect distraction.
Their wedding planning was anything but easy. A caterer dropping out, guests unsure of whether or not to RSVP, and a bridal party understandably unsure of how to plan a bachelorette party in a pandemic, were only a few hurdles they faced. So, we got to work.
A Bachelorette Party at Enlighten
Kristina had a beautiful bachelorette party at Enlighten, an infrared sauna studio and wellness boutique in Bethel, CT.
Enlighten is one of Kristina's favorite places to recharge, which made it a natural choice to relax and celebrate her upcoming wedding with her bridal party. Jaclyn was a pleasure to work with and provided all the decor, food and drink to make her day even more special, ensuring to follow all the state and CDC guidelines.
A Firehouse Ceremony
The couple tied the knot on a surprisingly 70-degree Fall day on 10-10-20 at the Sandy Hook Firehouse. Erica is a firefighter and they met in a firetruck, making the location even more special. Their beautiful arch was handcrafted by Erica and her father, and her flowers and bouquets were designed and created by Melissa Beard from Floral Design by Melissa.
Reverend Todd Shipley officiated their ceremony, a beautiful example of the true meaning of Christianity and how love should always prevail.
Becoming Speechless
After the knot was tied and guests transitioned to cocktail hour and then their seats, members of their bridal party prepared words that could leave you speechless. There was not a dry eye in the whole room as they spoke of everlasting friendship and overcoming obstacles. The emotions were so strong that family members felt compelled to stand up and speak from their hearts with messages of acceptance, unity, and love.
Rustic Wedding Decor
Kristina and Erica had a true DIY, rustic wedding. Almost all of their decor was handmade and featured eucalyptus and wood-accents.
They hand sliced and finished the wood blocks and repurposed Yankee Candle glassware for the centerpieces. I decorated them with twine, burlap, and lace ribbon and embossed the table numbers so the silver on the cards truly shined.
A Celebratory Reception
The wedding reception was a true celebration of friends, family, and unity. Two days prior to the wedding, the CT restrictions for COVID-19 were reduced as we moved into Phase 3, giving the couple and guests peace of mind to dance and truly enjoy themselves. DJ Stillo did a fantastic job creating a safe, yet fun party environment, that even I found myself on the dance floor! (Ok, it was Taylor Swift, I can never NOT dance to T-Swift!!)
A Happy Bride
Despite a global pandemic, Kristina and Erica had a wonderful wedding day, celebrating their new marriage and love. Kristina recently shared her experience, stating:
Julia did an AMAZING job putting my mind at ease. I wouldn’t suggest planning a wedding during a pandemic, but I would do it again with Julia! She was able to break down the tasks that needed to get from personal things we wanted incorporate in our day, to things we didn’t even think of. When I say I couldn’t have done it with out her, I mean it. Between calling vendors, getting contracts, helping with the bachelorette, finding deals, getting centerpieces ready, getting my bridal party on the same page AND helping keep the timeline with running things the day of (even with me being late). The day of was a perfect reveal of all the things we discussed.
Thank you!
A special thanks to every vendor who helped make their wedding day possible:
Photography: DMSK Designs
Makeup: DMSK Designs
Dress: Occasions Bridal
Caterer: Marketplace Newtown
Cake: E'Licious Sweets
Officiant: Reverend Todd Shipley
Flowers: Floral Design by Melissa
Rentals: Chatfield's
Bartender: Kendra Bobowick
Wedding Design & Decor: Julia Noelle Weddings
Wedding Planning: Julia Noelle Weddings
Over a decade of time has passed since we were those 13-year-old girls, but if they knew where we would be now... they would be pretty damn impressed. Kristina, I am so happy for you and I wish you and Erica a lifetime of happy memories!
