We are facing strange times in our world right now. This pandemic has certainly shifted the nature of weddings and celebrations, though not all of it is negative. While it’s unclear the amount of people we might be able to hug at our gatherings in the near future, I’m adamant that that was never the only measure of how loved my couples and their families are! Still, it’s likely that we will see an influx in couples opting for a micro wedding or elopement in the months and years to come!

At Jubilee Events, the number of guests that our couples have celebrated with has ranged over the years from 8 people to 300+. No matter who’s in attendance, we’ve always created an experience — memories that will last our couples and their loved ones for eternity. When you look back, that’s what’s most important to our couples and investing in them and what is essential to their story is what’s most important to us!

What’s the Difference Between a Micro Wedding and Elopement?

There are three wedding variations that we are seeing more and more of today! Below is a better description of each:

• Elopement: Just you and your person tying the knot in a location that means something to you. This could be a courthouse, backyard, or mountainside — wherever your soul is tied to!
• Micro Wedding: A celebration with 30 or fewer people. A micro wedding kicks off with your ceremony and ends with a scaled down reception
• Mini Wedding: A ceremony and reception with 50 or fewer guests, but still holds all the traditional elements of a larger wedding

Though weddings are categorized in a new fashion these days, the purpose behind it has not changed. No matter the occasion, we believe life’s moments are worth celebrating! We strive to create parties that are not only fun, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind, but also celebrate the moments in your life that truly matter with the ones who matter most.

Alyssa & John’s Micro Wedding at Chamard Vineyards

The reason we’re here! Alyssa and John, two of the most beautiful souls I know started planning with the intentions to celebrate with over 200 dear friends and family. Unfortunately, life had other plans and threw the greatest plot twist into Alyssa and John’s story.

Prior to their wedding year, Alyssa’s father started undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. His treatments and disease were being well managed so the thought of anything drastic happening was far from everyone’s thoughts. As spring approached, nearly five months away from our original wedding date, we learned that the cancer had metastasized. He was given 3 – 4 months to live.

After confronting what was in front of us, we made the decision to pivot our plans to a micro wedding. This wedding was a moment in Alyssa and John’s history, but also in that of everyone who joined them that day. The celebration and experience would not be diminished! Surrounded by 30 of their closest friends and family, Alyssa and John tied the knot and gave us all a lifetime of memories!

Alyssa & John <3

I’m a firm believer that there is always a silver lining bred out of the more disappointing situations in life, and this one is no different. Like I said, Alyssa and John are two of the most amazing humans I know! They opened up their hearts to all of us, becoming part of our families and us their own. I can’t think of two more deserving people to have all the love in the world showered upon them, as that is exactly what they do to everyone they meet!

The Big Day

Setting the foundation of our day was our venue — a rustic, natural vibe and design, and a clean palette of white and green with modern pops of gold. One of the elements I find myself so drawn to is the draping and chandeliers that frame the barn doorways. Not overly stated, but certainly transformative!

Some of my most beloved elements include the organic moments, captured by Robert Norman. I find myself looking at each, laughing along or reminiscing about the thoughtful words being shared by siblings and parents. I can hear Dad’s reaction to a story about Alyssa sneaking out of the house with her friends as a teenager or the comedic wit possessed by a groomsman that had the whole crowd in tears! Lucky doesn’t even begin to cover how we felt being in the presence of so much joy and admiration!

Find a few of my favorites below:

1. Alyssa’s first look with her Dad — have your tissues at the ready!
2. The bridesmaids reaction to Alyssa opening their champagne — I cannot stop giggling!
3. The Dads exchanging a candid high five just after the ceremony
4. Alyssa and John celebrating just after they’ve officially become husband and wife, laughing so joyously
5. Alyssa and John sharing their Milk Bar wedding cake together. John’s reaction gives us ALL the vibes!

Alyssa and John: thank you for sharing these moments with all of us and for allowing us the opportunity to experience all the celebration of your day with you! Though this first year of marriage looks unlike what we all may have supposed, I am confident your love and bond will be on your side! Love you both!!! XOXO

To see more of our large celebrations, micro weddings, and elopements, check out our galleries here!

credit reel

Photography: Robert Norman Photography
Reception Location: Chamard Vineyards
Event Planning + Design: Diana of Jubilee Events
Ceremony Location: private beach – Madison, CT
Flowers: Hana Floral Design
Catering: Chamard Vineyards
Ceremony + Reception Entertainment: ETA Music
Stationery: Coral Pheasant Stationery
Beauty: Erica Martell + J. Kinford Beauty Group
Lighting + Draping: Ryan Designs
Cake: Milk Bar
Rentals: PEAK Event Services
Cinema: DMO Films