Hello again, friends,
We’re back with another month of wedding planning community, safe space, and support. I looked back at last February’s post and it was sort of eerie. At the beginning of that post I said “What is there to say, that hasn’t already been said? What grandiose word of wisdom or helpful thought could I possibly offer in this impossible in-between season? Honestly. There’s nothing. I don’t have a magic wand (or a magic vaccine)… but I DO understand what you’re dealing with.” 
Why don’t things feel more different today than they did then? I mean, this time there is a vaccine available (plus boosters)… but not everyone is taking them (and they aren’t here for kids under 5, yet). We’ve added two new variants to the pandemic stew we’ve all been steeping in. Some states are easing their mask mandates, again (hi, California)—and we don’t know whether to feel relieved or stressed by that. But, if you’re planning a wedding right now, you may still be asking yourself… what does it all mean?
As someone who hosted a small wedding last June, I get it. We were so lucky (truly, it was just luck), to have our wedding land right in between the first round of vaccines and the surprise arrival of the Delta variant. It meant we got to take a breath and truly enjoy the time with our 22 guests.
Right now, if you’re currently planning, it has got to be some relief to see the numbers trending down so steeply—it’s great news. Since none of us have a crystal ball, however, I am sure you’re still sitting with the nerves and anxiety that come with trying to plan for something that is weeks or months away in this mess of a season.
Again, I don’t have any magic words of wisdom. I will just be the one to pop in here and remind you to breathe. Go take a walk, get some sunshine if you can. Take a hot shower or bath, you’ll love it. Eat something healthy that makes you feel good. Drink a big glass of water (or 8). Meditate, do yoga, go running, call a friend, journal… whatever it is that you do to take the edge off and make life a little more gentle for yourself… now is the time.
When you’re ready, this wedding planning open thread is all yours. This is your place to ask questions, get advice, vent, scream (proverbially, at least), or just seek community and understanding.
Sending you all the happy planning vibes I can.
xo,
Alyssa
Seriously… HOW THE HECK ARE YA? DO YOU HAVE LOGISTICAL QUESTIONS I CAN TRY TO HELP ANSWER? DO YOU WANT FEEDBACK ON THE CHOICES YOU’RE FACING, FROM OTHER COUPLES WHO GET IT? DO YOU NEED A PLACE TO VENT AND SCREAM AND KNOW THAT THE PEOPLE WHO READ IT ARE GOING TO ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND? THIS IS THE SPOT. IT’S YOUR OPEN THREAD.
