This episode was recorded in November 2020. I was hesitant to release it because I didn't want to hurt anyone, but I realized keeping it bottled in and never sharing my side of the story was ultimately hurting me. I'm so grateful for Raven as co-host on this episode who helped me respond to the whole red wedding fiasco in a classy, tactful manner. Some specific details have been bleeped out and names have been changed to protect identities and protect ourselves. In this episode, we also shared our covid wedding planning experiences and talked about the importance of security in a relationship and friendships. I hope you show us grace and find some humor in the episode, as well as, lessons learned. It seems everyone has an opinion about what is the right and wrong way to celebrate your special day during these unprecedented times.
I do want to point out - although my Dad tested positive for COVID the Sunday before my wedding, he had been experiencing symptoms for a full week prior, and was no longer experiencing symptoms AND was cleared by a doctor (and CDC guidelines) by the time my wedding rolled around that next Saturday. He did not attend the rehearsal dinner, he wore a mask during the ceremony (after walking me down the aisle), and left the reception after giving the welcome speech. Every single guest in attendance at our wedding received a negative COVID test the day before the wedding so everyone was able to dance and enjoy the evening without worry. Also, the entire event was outdoors which helps cut down any possible covid exposure. All staff working the event wore masks and gloves. We are happy to report no one who attended our wedding came down with covid as we kept track for several weeks following the event.
Thank you to all of you who reached out with kind messages when all this happened back in fall of 2020. Strangers reached out sharing empathy and kindness and wishing me a happy wedding day. I am truly grateful for the love and support of good friends and good people who showed grace during such a weird and stressful time. We had the most perfect wedding and I honestly wouldn't change a thing. I'm happy the wedding planner wasn't there because she genuinely stressed me out. I'm also happy we had to change photographers last minute because the one who ended up shooting our wedding was AMAZING! The caterer went above and beyond to take all the stress off of me and make sure the day flowed smoothly. If you live in Dallas and are looking for any wedding vendor recommendations, I have so much information I can provide you! Don't hesitate to reach out.
Also, an update since this was recorded - I have spoken to my friend (Maid of Honor #2) and let her know I don't hold any grudges and that all is forgiven. She is a good person with a big heart, she has just gone through an extremely tough time the past few years. I missed her on my wedding day, but at the time, it was the right decision to make.
Be kind to one another.
Love,
Jen
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