We believe every wedding is unique and special for every couple. During the weeks, months, or even years of planning, couples have the time and endless options to design every single moment of their day. Every little detail on the wedding day never goes unnoticed by guests and the married couple to be. Sometimes, nature has a funny way of changing plans and the course of action. In the months of fall, we experience hurricanes while in the winter months, the Northeast experiences blizzards. These events by mother nature happen uncontrollably, no matter how much we wish they didn’t.

The COVID 19 Pandemic feels much like a hurricane in terms of how it appeared. You may have heard about it, assumed it would go away, and then appeared faster than you thought it would. Brides and grooms all over the world were affected by this. Couples moved wedding dates while guests canceled flights and hotel rooms.

One thing we learned quickly from our brides who lost their wedding dates or had to reschedule, is that love is not canceled. Your entire love story doesn’t disappear. Your next chapter in life is not, not going to happen.

Our bride, Athena reminded us of this as she continued to plan her wedding through the Corona Virus pandemic. She remained calm and humble during her final days of planning. I follow her on Instagram and watched her talk about continuing to plan her wedding in spite of the pandemic. Athena and Kyle felt it was most important to keep the promise they made to themselves and the wedding date they chose. They chose to continue their love story but made changes where it was needed. They hosted an intimate wedding in the backyard of their bungalow home in Winter Park, Florida. Surrounded by closest friends, stunning florals, champagne, and their dog, Athena and Kyle said “I Do” and celebrated their romance on their wedding date.

Thank you Athena + Kyle for reminding us that love is not now or ever going to be canceled. The Bridal Finery team wishes you the happiest marriage and exciting next chapter in life. Continue to read as Athena shares her wedding planning experience and how Kyle proposed to her.

Subject: Kyle & Athena's Elopement Day
Partner's Name: Kyle Merrill Koppe
Event Type & Location: Elopement Ceremony in Winter Park, Florida at our home.
Event Date: Sunday, March 29, 2020

Vendors & Their Instagram Handles: 
Designer/DOC: Ivy and Evergreen aka @alyssamaldonad0
Bouquets/Boutonnières: Janets Dry Humor @janetsdryhumor @anna.labeau
Photographer: Sydney Marie Photography @sydneymariephotography -
Wedding Dress Designer: Inbal Dror @inbaldrorofficial
Wedding Dress Boutique: The Bridal Finery @Thebridalfinery
Tuxes: Indochino @indochino
Rings: Melanie Casey @melaniecaseyjewelry and Be on Park @beonpark
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bloomingdales @bloomingdales @jimmychoo
Grooms Shoes: Ferragamo @ferragamo
Bridesmaid Dress: Frame and Partners @fameandpartners

How did you & your partner meet?: Well, there are two answers to this. First, I knew Kyle through a close mutual friend. Second, we matched on Tinder. On his part, he didn't make the connection, as we'd never actually met in person. On my end, I thought it would be fun. And hey, we matched!

Where was your first date?: On Park Ave in Winter Park, actually! I made him wait about three weeks before scheduling anything, though. I wanted to be all-in; I knew that Kyle was the kind of man you had to be ready for. I remember it was early October, and we started at Barnie's. I had never been to Park Ave, so he was my guide. We walked down to Casa Feliz, eventually looping back for cheese and wine at the Wine Room. I remember being so nervous and drinking way too much. But instead of parting ways, we walked all the way to Kraft Azalea Garden unintentionally. We had an instant connection and couldn't stop talking. Our first kiss was on a park bench at sunset. Bats were waking above us as the sky turned red over the water. It was some kind of magic. We just couldn't get enough of each other and decided to see a late-night horror flick, called 'Train to Busan,' over at the Enzian in Maitland (love it there). We finally said our goodbyes well after midnight. I was absolutely smitten with him. And he said something like, "I haven't felt like that since I was 13," to our mutual friend.

How did your partner propose?: Christmas morning, I'd woken up and left the bedroom for a moment. We were staying at my mom's townhouse in Massachusetts for the holidays. When I got back, he asked me to sit next to him. I knew in my heart what was happening almost immediately. He presented me with this impeccably wrapped little box and watched me intently as I tore it open. No shame, I absolutely needed to see it! He asked, "Will you spend the rest of your life with me?" To which, I said, "Are you kidding? Yes!" And I proceeded to flip out for twenty-ish minutes before revealing the news to my mom. We went downstairs, she was in the kitchen preparing pies, and I showed her my hand. Afterward, she skipped around the house, singing the news. She's our biggest cheerleader! I was so happy to have snow and northern air for my engagement day!

What was your dress shopping experience like? : Serene! I was under the impression that I wouldn't have that experience at all. Kyle and I knew we wanted to elope before doing any larger gathering. Something intimate and, "why wait?" comes to mind for quick reasoning. So, when I actually got to have my mom by my side while Tali and Jamie pampered us, put me in every single option my eye wandered to and were so patient with me while I made my selection; it was a dream come true. I didn't feel pressured or rushed or influenced against my own personal style. I was seen and understood immediately for what would make me feel like a goddess on my wedding day. I'm always going to cherish that experience!

What did you wish you knew before you started wedding planning?: Just how worth the stress it would be! I had a rough estimate of the emotion I would feel upon becoming immersed in what I spent days and hours putting together. I just didn't anticipate how every concern, second-guess, and small detail ultimately melted away. I became free from that pressure so quickly, especially once I was in my dress! I remember worrying about feeling underwhelmed, or like my day wasn't to my standards. And then I realized, anything with Kyle was going to be stellar! And it was.

Where was your wedding? What did you decide on that space?: In the backyard of our little bungalow in Winter Park! With COVID-19 sweeping the United States, our original venue, Leu Gardens, approached us with the options to postpone or receive a refund. We had the date stitched in Kyle's tux, and we weren't about to break the promise we'd made to ourselves. So, we improvised! I think it became even more meaningful this way.

What's your favorite memory from your event?: My husband's toast in the presence of our guests. He paraphrased Thoreau (all improvised), stating that by going boldly in the direction of his dreams, he was always headed toward us; to become my partner and husband. He's just the best!

What is a 'must-have' for brides on the wedding day? : Oh, your favorite lunch. 100%! I had the hook & ladder sub from Firehouse and it calmed me right down. We need something familiar and comforting. Especially, as in my case, when you're drinking a lot of champagne!

How would you describe the overall feel of your event?: There were many influences, from elemental and spiritual to inspiration and design. It was much like a woodland fairytale transported to a Floridian landscape, with European influences.

What wedding planning advice do you have for other brides?: Prioritize! Lists can become so daunting. And though they are an important tool, try to set intentions with your partner early on about what you both desire/envision. Don't accept, "I've never thought about it." Just breathe, and respond, "Let's come back to this in the next day or two." Start at the center of those intentions: how your wedding day reflects the two of you. Then, work your way outward. You should feel supported. Not like you have to take everything on! This doesn't mean split the work evenly with your partner, but rather, ask for help when you need it! Also, if you don't like something, say it! It's your day and everything should be to your liking!

Where was your honeymoon?: We want to go to Hawaii! Something where we purely relax, enjoy nature and continue to grow as a couple. Hoping that's soon!