Safety First

At this point in the pandemic, COVID-19 related restrictions will likely to continue to vary by state and location. The reality of it is that this is unavoidable and likely for some time. What was supposed to be the happiest time of your life is constantly hanging by a few threads that are fraying due to things you cannot control - to say it’s tough to handle would be an understatement. Your mental health is SO important right now, especially given all the extra stress you’re now taking on as you plan a COVID wedding. If you’re like me at all, situations out of your control just give you the heebie-jeebies, so let’s focus on a few things you can control.

A safety plan is a great way to get ahead of future unforeseen issues - and it’s easier than you think to put one together! There are many templates online that guide you through the process according to your state and county's requirements. Even as people are becoming vaccinated and restrictions are starting to lift, it’s still a good idea to have a plan. As we’ve seen over the last year, things can change dramatically in a short period of time - staying ahead of the issues is just one more thing you A few of the major points to include are: • Social Distancing: How large is your event space and how much can you spread your attendees out? Does your ceremony space allow for seats to be left open between family groups? Are you going to do a receiving line after the ceremony? If so, plan to have hand sanitizer ready!

• High Contact Surfaces: Doorknobs, bathrooms, or any other high traffic areas need to be sanitized frequently. Guest books are great, but consider having a basket of pens stationed with your book so guests can keep the pen they use to sign, rather than everyone touching the same pen. Is your dinner being served or are you doing a buffet? If you’re doing a buffet, consider having one person filling plates so everyone isn’t touching the utensils.

• Masks: It’s a hotly debated topic, but you can make the decision on requiring or suggesting masks. Enforcing mask wearing is a whole other ballgame, but if you are intent on doing so, enlist the help of your wedding party and a few guests to remind others of your wishes.

To help you communicate with your guests

about the safety plan you intend to follow, I strongly suggest using some signage at your wedding! You can find some free downloadable signs at https://www.dayoneweddings.net/ resources . It’s completely possible to have cute signage that matches your decor but still communicates your wishes. Doing so will not only make things clear for your guests but also give you peace of mind - and let’s be honest, that’s the most important thing!

Abby Heidenreich Day One dayoneweddings.net abby@dayoneweddings.net

A i & John

In Alli’s words, “In 2019 John and I were both living in Indianapolis. He was in school at IUPUI getting his chemistry degree and I moved there to work at St. Vincent Hospital as a nurse. It was the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, and one of my best friends Kate convinced me to go to Evansville to celebrate with her and her boyfriend Ben, who is also John’s best friend. Ben convinced John to come to Evansville the same night and we all met up. We fell in love that night (the reason for our matching four leaf clover tattoos).

We were lucky to be able to live in the same city for the time we spent dating. Soon we found out that John got accepted into the University of Louisville Dental School where he got the opportunity to spend the next four years. He found someone to be his roommate, and we decided we would do long distance. In June of 2020, I went with John to look at apartments for him and his new roommate in Louisville. We spent the day driving around looking at places, and we found the most amazing apartment that we could both see our lives playing out in. As we were finishing up the day, talking about the future and saddened that we would have to live two hours apart, John looked at me and said let’s just get married before I move here and start school! That same day we went and picked out a ring, signed for that apartment and called our parents and said we wanted to get married August 1st (only 2 months away). Everyone was on board! We planned everything so fast, and in a pandemic, none the less! The way everything fell so perfectly into place made it obvious to us that it was meant to be. The outdoor wedding of my dreams came together in spite of an entire day of rain. It was the absolute greatest day of my life! We have been married almost for a year now and I’ve found marriage to be the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. I’m so thankful for this crazy, hectic, perfect love story that is ours. ”

MEAGAN & KELSEY In Kelsey’s words, “Meagan and I met in 2013 as nurses at a local hospital but didn't start dating until 2016. We enjoyed traveling, going to concerts, and raising our labradoodle, Oliver. We got engaged in 2018 at West Baden. Even before getting engaged I knew I wanted to get married at 20West. When we toured, we both instantly fell in love with the intimacy and details of the venue. It was the best decision to have a romantic, intimate wedding with our closest friends and family in attendance. When planning our wedding, it was important to us to use LGBTQ friendly vendors that we could form a personal relationship with. We found an awesome officiant who really got to know us individually and as a couple. She provided the most heartwarming recap of our love story that had people crying, then laughing. We cut into our delicious cake to reveal a rainbow cake layer. We did a unity tree watering ceremony with soil from each of our hometowns (Tennessee and Kentucky) and watered it with water from our current home (Indiana). These special details, personal touches, and lifelong friendships contributed to our perfect wedding! We wouldn't change a thing!”

Making Magic

PHOTOGRAPHER PATTON PHOTO VENUE 20WEST KELSEY'S DRESS HOUSE OF WHITE MEAGAN'S SUIT BHLDN KELSEY'S HAIR LOGAN AT IMPULSE SALON AND SPA MEAGAN'S HAIR AND MAKEUP BRIE AT IMPULSE SALON AND SPA KELSEY'S MAKEUP TRICIA AT IMPULSE SALON AND SPA RINGS BRINKERS JEWELERS BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES AZAZIE FLORIST SOMETHING BORROWED BLOOMS CAKE CAKES BY SHAE CATERER BAUERHAUS CATERING & PASTRY OFFICIANT CAROL WORCEL- WITH THIS RING DJ DJ MCNAUGHTY

Oh, the Places We Wi Go

As we get further into 2021, the thought of travel is building excitement for many. With postponed weddings, honeymoons, and family vacations, the demand in travel for summer 2021 and in 2022 is extremely high! US National Parks and Florida are among the top US destinations, so keep in mind they most likely will be crowded. When demand is high, that unfortunately can bring fewer “deals,” so planning far in advance is suggested for better pricing.

With the current COVID19 situation many are choosing to travel within the United States. Many states have visitor restrictions that can change frequently. As more people get vaccinated, the more opportunities to travel will open. The cruise lines are beginning to cruise again this summer for those who are fully vaccinated, and a few foreign countries are also allowing fully vaccinated visitors. Several entities are working on a Vaccine Passport to assist with getting destinations to lessen the restrictions. Travel today has certainly changed. What are the travel restrictions, do I need a negative COVID test (if so, which kind), do I need to be

vaccinated, do I need a star on my license to fly, should I get Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance are among the many questions your travel advisor can answer. Using a travel advisor is more important than ever.

As Travel Smart celebrates our 30th year in business, we are excited to help others to create their dream destination, honeymoon or family vacation. Contact one of our experience team members and know that Travel Smart is here for you before, during and following your trip.

Tina Brunck Travel Smart 13601 Hwy 41 North Evansville, IN 47725 www.choosetravelsmart.com (812) 867-0022

A iyah & Afton

ALLIYA & AFTON In Alliyah’s words, “We met at Southern Illinois University Carbondale during an EastAsian Civilization course. Our encounter seemed to be designed by a rom-com movie. He always wore tye-die shirts, brought gallons of water to class, and was always going on about weight lifting and nature. I was a goody-twoshoes that brought apple juice to classes and adored everything that was French and Marvel movies. We bonded over East-Asian cuisine and that's where we went for our first date. He brought the love and beauty of nature out of me. And, I got Afton to enjoy two-hour-long movies and refined cuisine. On our wedding day we were blessed that, in the midst of the pandemic, the majority of our guests were fortunate enough to be vaccinated and able to celebrate safely. I wanted a woodsy/Beauty and the Beast-inspired wedding. Our family friend, Robyn Brownlow, dedicated an original spoken-word poem piece to us at our ceremony. I am a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and my sorority sisters serenaded us in the middle of the dance floor. Our favorite moment of the wedding was having the string quartet play throughout the ceremony. It truly brought tears to both of our eyes and was the best day of our lives.”

Making Magic

PHOTOGRAPHY BOULDER CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY

PLANNING & DESIGN DANIELLE BECKNER, FOUR SEVEN EVENT PLANNING

VENUE DRAGONFLY WEDDING VENUE

VENUE COORDINATOR ANA PEREZ OF DRAGONFLY WEDDING VENUE

VIDEOGRAPHY MELISSA JAE FILMS

WEDDING CAKE CAKES BY ALLY

DJ VIP ENTERPRISES

MAKEUP ARTIST SLAY BY TAY

WEDDING GOWN BLUSH & IVORY BOUTIQUE

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES AZAZIE

MENSWEAR MR. TUXEDO & BRIDAL

In Mackenzie’s words, “Adam and I met through work when we were both therapy techs at Gateway Hospital. After a few weeks and a lot of flirting, Adam asked me out on a date to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch post season baseball. I’m a Cardinals fan, he’s a Yankees fan. Thank God we love teams from different leagues! We have to give credit to our good friend Jessie who set us up and played matchmaker. Without her, we would not be where we are today!

Wedding planning during a pandemic while also attending nursing school was not easy and sadly I was not as involved as I wanted to be. I have to give a big thanks and a lot of credit to my mom during the wedding planning process. She helped design our table decorations and floral arrangements. My sister custom built the backdrops we used behind our head table and for photos with guests.”

Making Magic

PHOTOGRAPHY PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE CAMBRIDGE GOLF COURSE FOOD AND BEVERAGES CAMBRIDGE GOLF COURSE BRIDAL GOWN ELLA PARK BRIDAL MENSWEAR PAUL’S MENSWEAR HAIR MORGAN TENBARGE MAKEUP ALEXANDRIA SPARKS CAKE CREATIVE CONFECTIONS BOUTIQUE DESSERT MAIN STREET ANNEX DÉCOR & FLORAL MOTHER OF THE BRIDE