Paige Sanford & Cole Columbus
September 26, 2020, at the bride’s parents’ home
Pre-pandemic, Paige and Cole had planned a fancy, 250-person black-tie wedding, with tuxedos, floor-length gowns, a large band from Atlanta, and food stations (“so people could eat but also keep partying!” Paige says). But, after mailing their save the dates in March of 2020, just as everything began shutting down, they realized the fallout from COVID-19 wasn’t short-term. They needed to pivot.
The new plan—paring down the guest list to 50, moving the ceremony to their family chapel and the reception to Paige’s parents’ home—came with a few added benefits which, according to Paige, may have been even better than the original.
“We both agreed that having a smaller guest list was actually kind of nice,” she says. “Having a smaller group meant we got to visit with everyone invited and actually spend time with our closest friends and family throughout the weekend.”
Plus, the new venue meant Paige and Cole could get married at St. James Chapel, the same place her parents had been married. They were even able to ride in the getaway car her parents had at their wedding.
Says Paige, “While our wedding plans had been ‘messed up’ due to COVID, my Mom and Dickie [Morris, the couple’s wedding planner] worked together to make sure everything was still as special as a non-pandemic wedding.”
High school sweethearts
While attending St. Anne’s-Belfield, Paige and Cole dated for about a year and, later, went to Cole’s senior prom together. The two kept in touch throughout college and, after graduation, decided to “give it a real shot,” says Paige.
Walk amongst the flowers
As guests progressed from the backyard to the reception tent, the color of the flowers became more vibrant with lilac, fuchsia, yellows, and greens. “It was so fun and cheerful,” Paige says.
Something fishy
The couple rented a boat bar from Stonegate Event Rentals, and outfitted it as a raw bar, offering guests oysters, shrimp, and tuna tacos.
THE DETAILS
Event planner Dickie Morris at Just A Little Ditty Ceremony venue St. James Chapel (ceremony) Officiants John Zunka (Paige’s godfather) and Robert Hurst (a family friend) Catering Harvest Moon Catering Flowers Floral Images Design Studio Cake Maliha Creations Music Patrick Critzer Bride’s attire Peter Langner, Riziks Boutique Shoes Bella Belle Groom’s attire JoS. A. Bank Groomsmen’s attire JoS. A. Bank Bridesmaids’ dresses Dessy Rings Schwarzchild Keller & George Jewelers Hair Topknot Studio Makeup Rouge 9 Videographer Rachael Curry Rentals Stonegate Event Rentals (bathrooms, bistro lights, raw bar boat), MS Events and Festive Fare (tableware and linens) Favors Bowerbird Bakeshop Custom logo Rock Paper Scissors
