This year has been an interesting one, and it’s definitely had its highs and lows, as I think everyone reading this can attest. A high for me was getting engaged in Florence; the low was rescheduling our wedding to 2021. No bridal shower, no engagement party and definitely no wedding in 2020, at least not the one we wanted. With all of the cancellations and postponements happening for brides around the globe, I found that love itself isn’t canceled, and with this, my fiancé, Ryan, and I decided to get married anyway without the traditional fanfare.

After much back and forth with our parents, we decided on a small courthouse wedding with only family waiting outside. Unfortunately, the courthouse in our county is still closed and judges are only virtual — so, no weddings. Another 2020 COVID curveball thrown our way! We quickly recovered and asked a close family friend if she would do the honor and marry us; she thankfully said yes. We also decided to keep things simple and get married in her driveway, instead of trying to find another location at the last minute. The location, dress, cake — all nailed down and ready for the big day.

It took a couple hiccups and some maneuvering for me to realize it’s not about the tradition but the love that’s being honored when you get married. It’s definitely not the way I pictured it, but love isn’t canceled, and for that I’m so very grateful.

— Sarah Ward, account executive