When I started reaching out to my 2020 couples in March regarding the collapsing world around us, Michelle and Patrick’s October wedding felt a million miles away. Michelle recommended a nightly beer in the bathtub as stuff got really real, and eventually we were having sobering conversations about what the fall date was actually going to look like. Somehow, these two gave off this real calmness whenever I got on the phone with them. They felt very big feelings about their wedding being upended, because they truly wished to celebrate with the people they loved, but had a very gentle determinedness to take everything in stride and do the very best, safest job they could. They pivoted so gracefully, and some of their pivots might now be some of my favorite ideas for any “normal” year. I got emotional talking to them as they described how they were going to write letters to each of their guests - I mean, just wait till you see.

I don’t know why I didn’t spend any time on Whidbey Island growing up, and my dad, who camped with me the night before (yes, him in his camper van and me in mine, ridiculous I know), helped me scout around Fort Ebey, marveling “this looks like Scotland!” Captain Whidbey is a rustic lodge-y Pacific Northwest paradise, and the gentle drizzle that greeted me as I found Michelle and Patrick’s cabin only added to the serious vibes. The weather was perfect, their guests so sweet, I made Michelle walk in those gorgeous shoes across the barnacle beach and I still feel bad about it (but not as bad as I feel about BOTH of them hitting their heads on the dock on the way back). Never have I heard such eloquent vows and speeches, the idea to have each guest pair have their own little table and dance zone was so sweet (and safe!), and M & P just GLOWED. I feel deeply honored to have romped around and witnessed these two radiate sweetness, true friendship and love into the misty bay - a glimmer we all need this year.