Before Lockdown
At the end of February 2020, I had more than 70 weddings on the calendar and bookings across six states. It was shaping up to be a year of growth—and then the world shifted. COVID-19 changed everything. But just before that, I had one of the most memorable weeks of my career, full of connection, celebration, and insight that would help shape how I show up for couples in this new normal.
Here’s what happened.
A Road Trip South and a Wedding in Palatka
I loaded up the car in Richmond and made my way to Palatka, Florida, with overnight stops in Savannah and a quick visit to St. Augustine. The wedding I was heading to had generously included accommodations for me at the Crystal Cove Resort—a cozy, pet-friendly spot that allowed me to bring my dog, Franklin, along for the ride.
After checking in, I went on a little scouting mission to find a spot for the couple to hang out after their rehearsal dinner. Palatka is a small town, so options were limited, but I stumbled upon a local dive bar—let’s just say it had character. I chatted up the bartender, told him why I was in town, and got the sense that it could be a hidden gem for a relaxed pre-wedding gathering.
Sure enough, the couple and their wedding party joined me there later that night. I had prepped the bar patrons and when the wedding crew walked in, the whole place erupted in cheers—even though no one knew who they were. It was lighthearted and fun, and honestly one of my favorite pre-wedding moments to date. Moments like that are why I now incorporate social planning touches into my “Master DJ” services—because those little in-between memories matter just as much.
The Wedding Day
The next day, the celebration took place at Ever After Farms—a beautiful venue just outside of Palatka. The ceremony took place in a lush garden, followed by an indoor reception that was full of personality and energy.
The couple made their entrance to “Walking on Sunshine” and shared their first dance to Luke Combs' “Beautiful Crazy.” The party that followed was a genre-spanning dance floor, from pop and old-school hip-hop to a high-energy hora loca with salsa and bachata. After packing up my gear, I even joined a few guests for an afterparty stop at Uncork & Unwind, then closed down the night back at that little dive bar.
It was an unforgettable weekend—exactly the kind of celebration that reminds me why I love what I do.
From Celebration to Education: The Wedding Pro Experience
After the wedding, I hit the road to Orlando for the WeddingPro Experience—a conference hosted by the combined education arms of The Knot and WeddingWire. Held at the Four Seasons Resort, the event was packed with thoughtful sessions and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.
I caught up with a few fellow educators and friends I’d met at past events like Wedding MBA and WeddingPro Charlotte, and spent the day soaking in insights about brand evolution, niche marketing, and staying relevant in a fast-changing industry. What I learned in that single day influenced the way I pivoted once pandemic postponements began rolling in.
Wrapping It Up in Tampa
Before heading back home, I made one last stop in Tampa to meet with a few past couples. One of the things I love most about this work is the relationships that form along the way. Being able to gather with couples I’d celebrated with—over tacos and margaritas, no less—was a highlight of the trip. Listening to them share stories from their wedding days (and compare notes!) was a reminder of the community that gets built through shared joy.
A Lasting Impression
From February 21st to the 26th, I got to celebrate a wedding, attend an industry conference, and connect with multiple couples in one trip. It was the last week I’d spend doing in-person wedding work before the world hit pause.
Looking back, I’m grateful I had that time. It reminded me that relationships don’t end after the last song plays—and that even in uncertain seasons, the work we do continues to matter.
Here’s to building more memories, adapting through challenges, and showing up even stronger on the other side.