Cedar Rapids IA Wedding | Joel + Sarah | Summer Alisabeth Photography

November 24, 2020

Joel and Sarah’s wedding planning process was anything but easy for them – setback after setback, but what was truly amazing was how they stayed strong through it ALL and didn’t lose sight of what was most important. They were supposed to get married at their home church, Christ Community Church, but due to the derecho back in August, it was completely destroyed and they sadly had to find another location. They were devastated because that was such a special place to them, but again, they kept their heads held high and knew their day would still be special. Instead they got married at Marion Methodist in Cedar Rapids and we were able to squeeze in time to stop by their home church later for a few photos inside, despite the disaster. They even got to dance to their first dance song again!

Last week, just days before their wedding, more COVID-19 restrictions were applied to all wedding events, and instead of being able to have their reception like planned with their family and friends, they had a small reception with just immediate family. It was so sad to see this couple have to adjust their entire wedding plans once again, but it was still such a BEAUTIFUL day! Their original reception venue temporarily closed, so they moved their intimate reception to The Olympic in Cedar Rapids. The blessing: they were able to have many more guests at their ceremony, so we switched the timeline up, and Joel and Sarah were still able to hand out a meal and share a thank you, their first dance, and a few surprise songs with their guests at Marion Methodist. In 2020, we learn to roll with the punches and make the most of it, and this couple definitely did that!

Sarah grew up playing this piano!

Joel and Sarah decided not to do a first look, but they did make time for a prayer together before the ceremony!

Leanne Larson from Paint My Wedding Day did a live painting of their ceremony, which was the coolest thing ever!!!!!!! She did an amazing job!

Due to their reception plans changing and not needing it anymore, they canceled the beautiful couch they rented from Borrow My Vintage. Little did they know Macy would kindly surprise them with it for a few portraits by bringing it anyway…and Sarah was ecstatic!

Joel and Sarah made their day so uniquely them…they focused on the details that mattered to them and made time for things they would really enjoy! That even included a painting class at their reception…