Tea Thyme // 2021 Trends + Predictions
December 31, 2020
Tea Thyme // A 5 Step Planning Starter Kit
January 12, 2021
2020 was a year that moved us and honestly, inspired us. This inspiration came directly from our couples, the ones impacted by the limitations that 2020 presented. Tears were shed as we read the answers our couples sent to the questions we asked. It just wouldn’t feel right if we didn’t take a moment to honor them as we kick off this sparkly new year!
We didn’t feature all of our couples but can promise you that EVERY SINGLE one inspired us to create, evolve and grow. We cannot wait to celebrate ALL of them this year!
Lauren + Carter
L + C pivoted from their original plans at the Dairy Barn and downsized to lakeside family property. They’re to celebrating big in 2021 at the Providence Cotton Mill!
Q: Were there any positives that came from having to postpone your large celebration?
A: At first, I felt a mixture of mostly negative emotions about postponing the wedding and I struggled to find the good in it. I was stuck in a “pity-party” and “why is this happening to me” spiral when we sent out our change-the-dates. As we got closer to the ceremony, I realized I was truly so lucky to have all those people out there that loved Carter and I and wanted to celebrate our love, they were willing to wait a whole year to do it right. The mini-mony experience itself was amazing – we got the opportunity to have an intimate celebration with our closest family and friends, all who had watched our love grow into what it is today – that was not something I ever imagined getting to have. Carter’s best friend from childhood got ordained for us and was able to legally marry us in my parents backyard – that was really special. The memories from that night will stay with us forever.
Q: Does your experience change the way you look at your larger celebration now?
A: Absolutely. As with most Brides, I spent SO much time & energy getting hung up on all the details of the “big” wedding that I was crushed when we had to postpone. My angel of a husband reminded me that the wedding was really only about one thing – us; being together, sharing our lives. And big party or not, we still get to do that. Now that we are “legal” it takes so much stress off of the big celebration. I’m not worried about checking all the boxes for traditions and good luck charms and making sure everything is “perfect” – now we get to just be married and look forward to partying & dancing the night away with all our friends when the time comes.
Q: What did you learn from your experience?
A: Even through one of the worst years of our lives, a year with so much tragedy and heart ache and canceled plans, we still found ways to love. To spread love and give love and receive love. When you think of your life and all the things going wrong, just pivot that thinking to all the things going right and everything you still have, and I promise the good will out-weigh the bad. We still can’t wait to be able to see all our friends & family again (we’ll probably party a little too hard when the time comes) but our hearts are full of what matters most, each other.
Emily + Chris
E + C knew one thing was for certain in 2020 and that was to get married! Their fall plans at Norfolk Hall were postponed to 2021, so they took advantage of a late summer Minimony Day we were able to host as a part of the Charlotte Microwedding Collaborative.
Q: What did you enjoy most about your minimony day?
Emily: Having the most perfect sunset as a backdrop while saying I do!
Chris: Getting to share the moment with immediate family.
Q: What are you most excited for as we approach your big 2021 day?
Emily: Drinking and dancing the night away with all the people we love in one room (while wearing my dream dress I never got to wear during our ceremony!). It was sadly delayed coming in due to covid.
Chris: Seeing everyone! Especially our close friends we didn’t get to see during the pandemic. We really miss them.
Q: What are a few takeaways from 2020 that you’d like to share with other couples?
Emily: 2020 didn’t give us what we wanted but it gave us what we needed. A lesson learned from being a covid bride that I’m now carrying into all aspects of life: You can plan and plan but life doesn’t care what you have planned. You have to be ready to embrace the hiccups and own the outcome. It’s part of your story and what makes you unique. Forget perfect. Perfect isn’t interesting.
Chris: At the end of the day it’s just about you and your person. Don’t put your life on hold and just go for it! Do it because you never know what the future will hold.
Q: Do you see the wedding industry/culture changing for the better now?
Emily: Yes! I think big showy weddings will take a new form. They’ll be big in the design, ideas, and details, but more authentic and smaller in guest count. I think it will be more about who you REALLY want there. Your twice removed great aunt probably won’t make the guest list over your old college friend.
Chris: Definitely. People are gonna prioritize what they actually want over what’s expected.
