Kelli + Ryan were one of the first couples affected by COVID, and these two jumped on a postponement almost immediately. Their wedding was originally scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend: May 9, 2020. In mid-March, I got a call from Kelli + Ryan, who didn’t want to risk holding on too long, and we swiftly moved their wedding to mid-December 2020. We took a little break from planning and resumed over the summer with cautious optimism and a (pretty) good plan. However, as early fall hit, and COVID numbers spiked again as the crisper weather forced people indoors,, I got a call from the couple, wanting to explore moving the date up to maximize the outdoor potential. So, we moved the date, again, to October 24, 2020. And WOW. It was worth the wait.

Kelli + Ryan have irresistible smiles, senses of humor, and are just plain good-natured. They were flexible as we transitioned some design elements from their original early spring plan to late fall. But even better, they never wavered from the reason behind their wedding: to start their long-awaited life together. These two have known each other since high school, grew up down the street from each other, and their families are already family. Their wedding just piled onto the many memories of their shared life. Congratulations, Kelli + Ryan!

All photos courtesy of Bonphotage.

Kelli started the day at Claridge House in the Gold Coast with the talented Tamara Hair & Makeup Artistry team.

The bride slipped into her stunning gown from Bella Bianca, complete with removable sleeves for their Catholic ceremony.

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Ryan and his fun groomsman party got ready, and his parents popped in for some meaningful moments, like his mom pinning his boutonniere, before heading to the church to marry his girl.

Kelli + Ryan’s Catholic faith is central to their lives, so they exchanged vows at St. Clement, a parish they joined when they got engaged. What a spectacular space, and such a loving ceremony!

M A R R I E D !

Guests moved to the spectacular Theater on the Lake for cocktails, dinner, and reception. Flower Firm jazzed up the space with some spectacular floral arrangements and Food for Thought provided a delicious meal.

Although the original plan was for a packed dance floor of 250+ guests, the band, Front of House Band, still played an important role in keeping the energy up and the ambiance cozy.