Winter is the most popular time for engagements and with Valentine’s Day just behind us, many newly engaged couples are just getting started on wedding plans. In 2020, COVID-19 launched an unexpected trend of micro weddings. Micro weddings are small intimate wedding celebrations designed around keeping people safe and focusing on what really matters: the exchange of marriage vows. As I planned my own micro wedding last Fall I wondered if we were experiencing a shift in the wedding industry that would outlast the pandemic. Will micro weddings become the norm?

 

Lydia and Lemuel get married at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve.

Lydia and Lemuel chose the Hotel at Arundel Preserve for their special day.
Image courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography.

 

According to wedding professional and Director of Catering at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve Amber Moore, micro weddings are here to stay. Moore says, “2020 taught us all to cherish the moment and with micro weddings, I believe it allows you to do just that. You have the opportunity to really engage with each and every guest and feel the love in the room.” The Hotel at Arundel Preserve launched micro wedding packages in May 2020 and Moore says they’ve been a huge hit with couples who wanted to keep their original date, on a smaller scale. 

 

The bride and bridesmaids show off their bouquets.

Hotels are seeing an increase in smaller, more intimate weddings.
Image courtesy of  Alison Dunn Photography.

 

Moore’s 2021/2022 wedding planning tips include being flexible and acting fast. “It’s a wedding market out there and your desired date may not be available. If you are flexible with your date, some venues and vendors may be able to throw you an incentive to be flexible with your date,” she says. Last year, Moore and her team worked with a couple who proved flexibility is worth it. Lydia and Lemuel’s wedding planning journey included international travel and quarantines, date changes and a last minute venue switch. Looking at their photos by Alison Dunn Photography, you’d never know their wedding experience was anything other than perfection!

 

The bride and groom pose for a photo in front of the Hotel at Arundel Preserve.

The happy couple poses for a photo in front of the Hotel at Arundel Preserve.
Image courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography.
 
 
A pandemic bride and groom cake topper on the groom's cake.
A cute pandemic bride and groom cake topper for the wedding cake.
Image courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography.
 
 
Lydia and Lemuel standing at their altar.
Lydia and Lemuel say 'I Do!' under their arbor at the Hotel at Arundel Preserve.
Image courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography.
 
 
Lydia and Lemuel say their goodbyes after their wedding.
Even during the pandemic, couples are still having their dream wedding.
Image courtesy of Alison Dunn Photography.

 

Vendor Team
 

Ceremony + Reception – The Hotel at Arundel Preserve  

Photographer - Alison Dunn Photography

Videographer – Noah James Productions 

Bakery – District Doughnut 

Hair – Thirty Hair Salon 

Makeup – Annie Ragot  

Dress – Lex Bridal Designs 

Shoes – Betsey Johnson 

Suits – Jos. A. Bank  

Favors – CarDishO 

Bridesmaids’ Dresses – Azazie

Paper – Minted