I’m pretty sure every bride can attest that they put a lot of thought into their wedding day. Some brides hire a wedding planner because there is too much to think about when planning one of the biggest events in a person’s life. I notice that whenever they mention weddings in the Bible, it sounds like even back then, many people contributed to the preparations of a wedding. It makes me wonder - if we are celebrating the union of two people, why is it the couple’s responsibility to cater to and pamper the needs of their guests? Isn’t making a commitment to spend the rest of their lives with one person enough responsibility?

Imagine showing up to a wedding reception that was NOT set up to please guests but rather set up as a “serve yourself” occasion? What if the wedding couple didn’t care if their guests were well-fed, comfortable or felt welcomed? Fortunately, like it has always been (since the Bible), weddings are quite the opposite. I was fortunate enough to attend a really thoughtful wedding this past weekend. Each guest felt very much catered to and pampered. Plus, we received many thoughtful pinches from the bride and the groom.

This couple right here - Nicholas (we call him “in the nick of time.”) and Pauline. Wedding photos capture a moment in time. In this photo we see a couple who is glad that the ceremony is over and next to them, guests wearing masks. When looking bac… — This couple right here - Nicholas (we call him “in the nick of time.”) and Pauline. Wedding photos capture a moment in time. In this photo we see a couple who is glad that the ceremony is over and next to them, guests wearing masks. When looking back at this photo years from now, we’ll always remember why they’re wearing masks.

Because we are currently navigating life during this Covid pandemic, my cousin Pauline (the bride) had to make adjustments to her wedding plans as the months got closer to the original wedding date. Her guest list needed to be very small (40 people max) in order to comply with the health guidelines and safely host the wedding reception that they envisioned. Pauline made a difficult decision not to invite ANY of her friends to her wedding. Not one friend. Maybe Pauline opted to invite only family because if she invited one friend, then surely another friend would be hurt or sad. When I found out that the wedding size was that small, I didn’t expect to make the cut. On one hand, I was pleasantly surprised to have been invited but on the other, I felt super guilty for taking the place of a Bestie or a BFF.

I didn’t push my luck by asking more about the guest list - probably because I knew the bride must have wrestled with this dilemma for weeks. If she would have me, I was willing to be with her in person to show my support. As the wedding festivities began, I quickly started to absorb all of the thought that went into their wedding and I must say, I found some other moments to be bittersweet.

Upon arrival, out of town guests received Welcome Boxes.

Pauline is from Atlanta and Nick is from West Virgina.

Box contents: Malvi Marshmallows, JQ Dickinson Salt, hangover solution packets, local sparkling water, face masks and wipes.

The programs for the church ceremony matched the wedding invites and the logistics card. Same texture, fonts, esthetic and design. All created by Pauline. I love the thought that was put into everything, especially the colors she chose for the ribbo… — The programs for the church ceremony matched the wedding invites and the logistics card. Same texture, fonts, esthetic and design. All created by Pauline. I love the **thought** that was put into everything, especially the colors she chose for the ribbons on the programs. Photo credit: @rochellicer

Another time I felt a little bitter sweet was at the church. As Pauline was being escorted down the aisle by her dad (my uncle), I saw how beautiful she was. Her whole look was just flawless; her make up, hair, the dress she wore was so perfect. I looked around, there were only sprinkles of people in the pews. I wished so badly that Covid didn’t prevent the church from being full. I wished it was standing room only. I wished her friends and family were there so that they could see how beautiful Pauline was as she met Nick at the altar. On one hand, I felt so honored to be one the few there in the church and on the other hand, so many others deserved to be there too.

Pictures of the happy, active couple occupy the left side of the table. Guests used the sharpie pens to write on the giant bottle of wine which will be enjoyed on their 10th Anniversary. Cheers!

“In memory of those forever captured in our hearts. “ This framed caption is surrounded by pictures of all those who have gone before Pauline + Nick. It filled my heart to see my dad, his brothers and his parents in the pictures on the table. I was… — “*In memory of those forever captured in our hearts*. “ This framed caption is surrounded by pictures of all those who have gone before Pauline + Nick. It filled my heart to see my dad, his brothers and his parents in the pictures on the table. I was grateful that all of them were included at this special occasion.
Guests were able to slip cards into the classy glass case behind the photos.

More thoughtful pinches: The couple offered stylish safety tools for their guests. — More **thoughtful pinches**: The couple offered stylish safety tools for their guests.

Card stock and pens were available for guests to write advice and suggestions for the married couple.

This personalized wooden box holds the One Year Anniversary wine bottle (smaller size than the 10 year) and the advice/suggestion cards that guests filled out. On 10/2/2021, they will open the box to enjoy the wine and read the cards.

Sweet couple’s banner that hung on the front door of the house during the reception. I have no doubt that Pauline made it herself. When making adjustments for their wedding - the venue needed to change from the couple’s favorite restaurant to a smal… — Sweet couple’s banner that hung on the front door of the house during the reception. I have no doubt that Pauline made it herself. When making adjustments for their wedding - the venue needed to change from the couple’s favorite restaurant to a smaller, outdoor venue. Pauline got creatively busy searching for rental homes that would serve as a wonderful setting for the festivities. She nailed it!

This is my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Photo Credit: @rochellicer

This is by far my most favorite way to find out where I’m sitting at a wedding. Each glass of champagne held a seat assignment.

Yup, that’s my table. #5 and if you look closely on the bottom right side, there is a fish. I ordered the salmon. Swanky!

Perfect reception area for appetizers, drinks, some guest “work” - filling out cards for 1 year anniversary, signing the big bottle for the 10th anniversary, socializing at a safe distance, looking at photos. Very lovely.

Washing up before we sit for dinner. Details in the bathroom include a mention of their dog Blue Ivy. Unexpected bird sounds in the bathroom came with the house. Photo Credit: @rochellicer

After bacon-wrapped gouda drizzled with honey and/or delicious shrimp appetizers, champagne, Old Fashioned and/or Aviation cocktails, we headed over to the outdoor dinning area.

Soft table clothes, pears in the floral arrangements, black candles and framed stories of Pauline and Nick.

The cousins at Table #5 had to give Pauline a hard time. She has made it impossible for anyone to be more thoughtful about her guests needs. She’s horrible! — The cousins at Table #5 had to give Pauline a hard time. She has made it impossible for anyone to be more **thoughtful** about her guests needs. She’s horrible!

Love this! I learned something new and it added warmth to the table because of course, it needed it! LOL.

The menu was very sweet and the food was better than the descriptions. Our plates came out piping hot and was perfectly cooked. Delish!

Because no detail was spared. You can find this sweet note on each napkin. Another pinch: Guests could take the napkins home! — Because no detail was spared. You can find this sweet note on each napkin. Another **pinch**: Guests could take the napkins home!

Even though we didn’t use the spoon, it was good to have.

Don’t forget the cake! Apparently, I didn’t forget the cake and made it hard for anyone around me to forget it also. Sorry to the servers who were trying to get the slices out asap. I am a wedding cake lover!

All of this is just scratching the surface - there are months of work that I am not including in this post. Many of these features are above and beyond but there is a lot of thought that goes into a wedding. I am proud of Pauline and Nick for being brave enough to get married during all of this. I am grateful that they let me share in their joy. I admire their selflessness in giving up a guest list that I am positive I would not have the heart to do. May the thoughtfulness you gave to your guests on your special day, come back to you ten times more. Thank you!

Pinches,

Barb