Y'all, 2020 has been a year! Lots of weddings being rescheduled, lots of big dream weddings needing to be adapted, less guests, more waiting, to say the least it's been a mess. Morgan and Austin called me with approximately three weeks until their wedding. They had to reschedule from their original date, they had to change venues, they basically had to redo EVERYTHING! I couldn't help but heed the call for help, and try to make their special day as perfect as possible! They did handle the whole situation with grace though, as you can see from their fanny packs used for the money dance. They definitely knew how to laugh in times of stress and have a good time when life handed them lemons.
So, first, let me speak on their venue. Morgan and Austin got married at a venue called Le Patinoire (The Rink) in Shriever, LA. So this venue is one that I actually visited sometimes three times a week when I was a child because it used to be a rollerskating rink! I remember so many good times, spending HOURS there just rollerblading around the rink, spending time with my parents and friends, dancing to music, and skating in the race at the end of the day. When Morgan told me her venue was the old rink, I literally put the biggest smile on my face. She remembered it too, which makes that place so special.
Since the rink has closed, the owners have made it in to a wedding and event venue. The rink was HUGE so they put a wall up about halfway down the rink, which created the wedding venue space. Where the admission counter was is now a bar, and where the concession stand was is now where the caterer sets up the food. Where the tables and booths were to sit and eat, now has tables to set up other foods and high tables to stand at for the reception. Two really cool things that they kept are the half-wall that went round the back of the rink where people could stand and take a break, which is now a sort of barrier between the ceremony/reception and food areas. And the floors. Y'all. THEY. KEPT. THE. ORIGINAL FLOOR. AND. IT. STILL. HAS. THE. BLACK. RING! It was so surreal to see that and brought back so many memories! I absolutely loved it!
Ok, so now on to the couple. Morgan and Austin: Wow, what a power couple! They have known each other *literally* all their lives. Their families have known each other all of their lives, and Austin was friends with Morgan's cousin, Beau. Austin and Beau's birthdays were very close, and they would often share birthday parties, in which Morgan was always there. So, we felt it appropriate to give Beau a shoutout in the ceremony!
Now, back to this amazing couple! So, Morgan and Austin started dating young, and like all couples (young and old!) had their ups and downs. At some point, they split. But something kept them in each other's minds and hearts. Then, one fateful day at Wal-Mart, where it always happens, Morgan was making a quick trip to grab a few things, but that quick trip turned into a long meet up session with various members of her family. Being the sweet and bubbly person she is, she took the time to talk to everyone. Now, it just so happened that Austin was around the Wal-Mart (not inside but around), and was driving, trying to get back on the highway from another parking lot that connected to Wal-Mart's parking lot. He said something, he didn't know what, made him drive down one of the aisles of the Wal-Mart parking lot, even though he didn't need to pass that way, and there was Morgan, walking to her car. He stopped, they said hi, and Morgan asked if they could talk. I remember Morgan telling me that after they finished talking, and had decided to get back together, Austin gave her a hug and she just felt like she was home.
Their love is so deep for one another that it is hard to miss when you are in their presence. They cannot help but smile when they look at each other, they support each other in everything they desire, and they compliment each other so well.
Their vows were some of the best I've ever written. They made promises like "I promise to build anything you find on Pinterest," and "I promise to let you finish your coffee in the morning." These may sound funny, but this was purposeful, because it's these little things that make their relationship work, and I hope they never lose sight of these small actions. Relationships are so much more than titles, and this couple understands that completely.
I mean, LOOK AT ALL THAT LOVE! Even my face was hard to hide when I saw the way Austin looked at Morgan!
The details were also amazing! Morgan and Austin, with the help of family and friends, put together all the decorations, set up the venue, and made their own Photo Booth! They chose a cheesecake wedding cake and some cupcakes for a touch of sweetness!
Y'all, there's just no more words that I can come up with to describe this amazing couple. As I said in their ceremony, they've known each other for a lifetime already, and still have a lifetime to go! I see so many awesome adventures in their future, and can wait to see their love blossom!
Here's to you, Mr. & Mrs. Smith!!
