Sometimes, even when everything seems to be going wrong, the right people will still find a way to make everything work out. Zoe, Chris, and their families were a prime example of turning lemons into lemonade when their 300 person wedding extravaganza at one of the area’s best venues was transformed into a 21 person intimate backyard event … and it couldn’t have been more perfect!

Zoe had contacted us over a year ago to secure DJ Sticky Boot’s availability for her wedding, which would be held at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks MI. Zoe had grown up listening to Sticky on the radio in Elkhart IN, and she and her bridesmaids wanted to recreate those memories on the dance floor with an epic dance party. Chris’ family on the other hand were from Chicago and had always had live bands at weddings, so Zoe had lined up the best of both worlds: Local favorite band, Blammo, as the main dance entertainment, along with Sticky Boots as emcee and featured dance sets between the band, including a “Power Hour” of club hits, as well as ceremony sound coverage. Zoe even selected our Ultimate wedding package with every bell and whistle and unlimited time to be sure this would be an epic celebration.

And then COVID happened. As the pandemic unfolded, we spoke often, and even though the guest list was dwindling, Zoe was committed to making sure the wedding would still take place as planned. Then the venue was forced to cancel due to Michigan’s stay-at-home order. Left with little choice, Zoey and Chris decided to postpone the big celebration until July 2021 in Fishers IN where they live and just get married at Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart on the original date with a quiet backyard reception at Zoe’s parents’ house.

Enter Chris’ mom, Roberta. She knew that this couple had worked so hard to have the wedding of their dreams, and she wasn’t going to let it completely crumble around them, so she secretly rebooked Sticky Boots as DJ and emcee in the backyard, all unbeknownst to Zoe and Chris! As a cover story, one of the family members was going to DJ instead, which allowed Zoe to still plan the event with a “DJ”, just not knowing she was actually planning with Sticky Boots instead. Roberta and Chris’ sister-in-law Megan helped keep the secret and assisted with the coordination.

On the big day, Sticky arrived on-site while Zoe was taking photos in the front yard, and it was still several minutes before she realized what was going on. A literal scream of joy could be heard from the front yard when the secret was out, as Zoe made her way to the backyard to see for herself.

A laid back evening of dinner and dancing followed for the 21 people gathered with all the fun traditions including a “Grand Entrance” with Zoe and Chris coming out of the kitchen to the deck; lovely heartfelt speeches from the father of the bride, mother of the groom and maid of honor and best man; a delicious dinner catered by Antonio’s Italian Restaurant; a hilarious “full-send” cake cutting of the delicious cake from C’est La Vie Cakes; and of course a beautiful First Dance and parent dances, which included the Bride’s grandparents celebrating 69 years of marriage together! The father of bride, Francis, even mentioned that he and Zoe’s mom Betsy had been married right in this exact same spot 27 years earlier, so everything had come full circle.

So here's the thing – We’ve done a lot of backyard parties and receptions over the years. They are always pleasant and enjoyable, but also usually quiet and subdued, especially with a small number of people. Not this time….this was hands-down the best backyard reception we’ve ever been a part of, and it’s all because of these phenomenal families that weren’t going to let a viral pandemic ruin Zoe and Chris’ special day. Not a chance. This event was 100% just as amazing as it would have been with the original plans and even more special. Further, they made us feel like part of their family too, so gracious and so FUN. That’s rare and sincerely appreciated.

Congratulations Zoe & Chris! We’re so glad we could be there to surprise you that night. COVID has nothing on you; all you need is love!

READ THE REVIEW FROM THE GROOM’S PARENTS:
It was a pleasure to actually meet you at the wedding. Zoe and Christopher were so very happy on their special day. We all had a great time and very much enjoyed your services. Hopefully we can continue to celebrate a second time next July. … Thank you for doing a great job and making the bride and groom (and all present) very, very happy!

Best, Tom and Roberta