Search
Over the next few months, we worked together to plan out the details of her special day. Chelsea already had the fabulous David Newkirk reserved for her photographer, and I suggested some of my favorite vendors for the Ranch: Kale Fitch as videographer, Gold Standard as the music, and Josh from 5 Penney Floral to add the perfect little accents that turn the ranch into a romantic wedding location. We also created a wonderful menu for the night. From the dinner, to the cake, to the late night snack! This wedding was sure to be a big, perfect, beautiful success.
Eventually, the big day arrived. Chelsea was giddy and excited to finally marry her sweetheart, Walker, and she anticipated the day would go exactly as dreamed. However, it wasn't long until Chelsea ran into a problem: the officiate was late.
After waiting 45 minutes for his arrival, we discovered that the officiate (a close friend of Chelsea's fathers's) had gotten confused and was still two hours away! Although the guests were tired and restless, Chelsea's father insisted on waiting for him. The ceremony would start three hours late.
So, what was there to do? After months of planning, it all came down to one small mistake and the whole evening could be tainted! One thing that I told Chelsea in this moment, and one thing that I will tell you, is that things hardly go as planned. But, if you think on your feet, and prepare to be flexible, everything will work out. Just because it doesn't go as planned it doesn't mean it won't go perfectly.
I had an idea, and Chelsea was so willing and ready to try it out.
In front of the crowd of tired guests I pulled up a chair and stood on top.
"Excuse me!"
Heads turned.
"Now, I've got some good news, and I've got some bad news. The bad news is, the officiate is still two hours away and we've determined to wait for him."
Groans.
"The good news is, we are opening the bar and starting the passed hors d'oeuvres!"
Cheers!
Guests had a delightful time switching the cocktail hour to before the ceremony and moved into dinner following the ceremony. Here's what Chelsea recently wrote to me about it:
"Not a moment goes by that I don't think about perfect my wedding day was, but what I remember are the incredible people that made it happen... So many people have shared with us how impressed they were with your ability and flexibility to adjust the cocktail hour with our officiant being late. They loved eating and drinking beforehand and socializing/catching up before the ceremony. Your kindness, sincerity, creativity, energy, and love has forever been imprinted on my heart."
Chelsea was able to roll with the punches and it turned what seemed at the time like serious issue, into one of her favorite memories at her wedding.
Photos by David Newkirk
Good luck, and happy planning!
Love, Mary.
