When David proposed on New Year’s Eve 2019 he asked two questions—“Will you marry me?” and “Is New Year’s Eve at the Pink Palace okay, because I already booked it!”

I’m always grateful for his thoughtfulness and attention to detail, but planning a wedding in 2020 made me realize just how lucky I am to have him by my side.

In December, the COVID-19 case count was spiking in Shelby County and we realized we couldn’t have the celebration we wanted while keeping all our friends and family healthy. So we opted for a mini-mony in my parents’ East Memphis home and then celebrated with a large reception like we had originally planned on our first anniversary—New Year’s Eve 2021 at the Pink Palace Museum.

Before I walked down the aisle, my mother-in-law lent me a handkerchief as my “something borrowed” that was David’s great, great grandmother’s. Every bride in his family for three generations had carried it down the aisle on their wedding day. About 25 of our family and friends gathered as I walked down the hallway, lined with photos of family members who couldn’t be there as Auld Lang Syne played until I met David by the Christmas tree to say our vows.

To ensure the safety of our guests, everyone in attendance tested negative the week before and wore our individually wrapped face masks, personalized with Ring in the Ridenhours! We rented a tent with heaters and bistro tables to increase space, and many of our guests enjoyed their pre-made dinner plates provided by the Bar-B-Q Shop on the patio outside.

Although it wasn’t what we planned, I’m so grateful these photos captured the real-life moments of a 2020 wedding. We served Bar-B-Q shop on plasticware, spiked eggnog in crystal punch bowls, and individually wrapped Gibson’s donuts on silver platters. The misplaced steamer for my dress, a spare roll of toilet paper hiding on a dresser, and my niece’s green glittery bow are all just as special as the perfectly posed flowers and cake.

And most importantly, we closed the books on 2020 and rang in 2021 as husband and wife.-Libby Perry Ridenhour

Vendors:
Venue: Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Perry Jr. private residence
Photographers: Jo Darling Photography
Invitations: Ellywise Studios
Rentals: Mahaffey Tent and Event Rentals
Bridal Hair: Halo Salon Bridal Makeup: The Bride Catering: The Bar-B-Q Shop Cake: Muddy’s
Groom's Cake: Gibson’s Donuts
Flowers: Kacie Cooper Floral Designs
Wedding Gown: Low’s Bridal