Hello friends! If you’re joining from Over the Moon, welcome to my space! I’m Stephanie, the founder behind The Style Bungalow blog, and today I’m taking a moment to reflect on our wedding journey. To be honest, it’s been a whirlwind—and I’ve been flooded with questions, so I wanted to dive in and share the real story behind the scenes.
But before we go any further, a quick disclaimer: while marrying my husband twice was an absolute dream, planning two weddings during a pandemic came with its fair share of stress. Behind the carefully curated photos and seemingly flawless details, things definitely went wrong. From decor mishaps to supply chain issues and everything in between, it wasn’t always easy. But here’s the thing—I think we can all agree, no wedding is ever perfect. After all, a few bumps along the way are nothing compared to the unexpected plot twists of life! Despite the hurdles, we’re incredibly grateful for the experience, and I can honestly say we learned a lot about ourselves in the process.
The following is the first part of a three-part series where I’ll share our wedding journey—this chapter is all about our Miami ceremony, and next week I’ll take you through the story of our Mexican wedding. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or comment below. I’m so happy to be back on here and share this with you all! Let’s dive in.
A Dream Wedding in Mérida: What We Had Planned
In 2019, we made the exciting announcement that our wedding would take place in Mérida, Mexico. We were looking for something different—something deeply meaningful that felt uniquely ours. After a long search, we found the perfect venue: a charming hacienda dating back to 1908, originally a sisal factory. It was ideal—rich in history and beauty, with the kind of atmosphere that would perfectly complement our celebration.
But as we began finalizing the logistics, reality set in. My husband’s grandmother, who holds a special place in his heart, would be unable to travel from her home to Mexico due to her age (94!). This made it clear that we needed to rethink our plans. So, we made the decision to have a small ceremony in Miami, at the same church where my parents were married 34 years ago (which was also the site of my brother-in-law’s wedding, a lovely family tradition).
Initially, I envisioned something simple and understated: a no-name gown, doing my own hair and makeup, and a modest bouquet. My husband would wear one of his old suits, and we’d keep things low-key with just our families. After the ceremony, we’d head to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch and spend the day enjoying our new life together. It seemed perfect—until the pandemic hit.
When the Pandemic Changed Everything
When the lockdown began, everything changed. There was so much uncertainty, and I found myself grappling with an endless stream of “What ifs?” and “I just don’t know what to do.” The reality of planning a wedding in the middle of a global health crisis was overwhelming, and tears were a regular occurrence.
The wedding in Mexico had to be postponed, but we knew we still wanted to marry, even if the celebration had to look different. “Why not treat this small ceremony as an appetizer to the big celebration?” my photographer, KT Merry, wisely suggested. And so, the wheels started turning.
I began to prioritize our smaller ceremony in Miami. Brides from around the world were reaching out, asking, “How are you handling the postponement?” and “How are you planning during a pandemic?” And truthfully, I had no answers, just emotions that ranged from frustration to defeat. Letting go of our dream wedding was one of the hardest parts of the whole process, but I knew we had to stay hopeful and focus on what mattered: health, family, and love.
The Struggles of Wedding Planning (Especially During a Pandemic)
Planning a wedding in the best of times can be overwhelming, but add in a pandemic, a move to a new home, and running a business during an incredibly stressful period, and it becomes a whole new level of chaos. As the days passed and deadlines loomed, I found myself feeling utterly stuck. That’s when I reached out to Heather Lowenthal, one of South Florida’s top wedding planners. I explained the situation to her in an email, saying, “I’m desperate. I don’t know what I’m doing. I need help.”
To my relief, Heather immediately agreed to assist. I had no idea how she’d handle our micro-wedding—after all, she usually works on grand celebrations—but she stepped in with professionalism and grace, helping me keep my sanity intact. It was truly a lifesaver. With her expertise, everything started coming together.
One of the many obstacles we faced was planning a reception. We initially planned to dine at a restaurant after the ceremony, but given the uncertain nature of the pandemic, the restaurant could only offer vague assurances. Thankfully, we were able to pivot, and a few weeks before the wedding, I looked out at our charming backyard and realized it would be the perfect venue.
The Dress: Finding the One (Against All Odds)
Choosing a dress for our civil ceremony was a challenge of its own. With supply chain issues and many bridal shops temporarily closed, I found myself struggling to find something that felt right. I didn’t want anything too elaborate, but I also wanted it to feel special. I ordered a few gowns online, but nothing clicked.
That’s when I stumbled upon a Carolina Herrera midi dress at Ever After in Miami. The original design had an embossed sunflower print, and while it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, I felt it was close. After a few back-and-forths with friends and family, the team at Ever After suggested remaking the dress in a different fabric. This custom approach felt like a risk, but with their guidance, it felt like the right choice. I didn’t officially try it on until the week of the wedding, but knowing the dress was going to be “one of a kind” made it all the more exciting.
The Wedding Timeline: A Blur of Planning
The idea of planning a wedding a year in advance? Not an option during a pandemic. Instead, we planned everything in just two months—or maybe even less. It was a blur. Yet, thanks to the support of Heather, KT, and our amazing vendors, everything came together in the most magical way.
Looking back, the planning process was chaotic and unpredictable, but it was also a journey of resilience and gratitude. We owe a huge thank you to our families, who remained flexible and supportive despite all the uncertainty. Their willingness to adjust to our changing plans made the day feel even more special.
Next week, I’ll dive into the details of our wedding in Mexico, where we were able to celebrate our love on a grander scale. But for now, I’m thankful for this intimate ceremony that taught us so much about love, patience, and what really matters. Stay tuned for more!