An abundance of Gratitude from the two of us...
Pandemic-Style Wedding Win!!
A tremendous amount of love and appreciation goes out to Bardy Hayes, Michael's father, who set up and operated the live stream broadcast of our ceremony!!! This was the best alternative-style, pandemic-safe, wedding-attending option out there! We had about 70 households watching from 3 different countries, and we absolutely felt all the love being sent from near and far.
Thanks to everyone who tuned in and for those of you who sent photos, videos and texts that weekend. And extra credit goes to all of you who got dressed up for the occasion!
Our Vendor Dream Team-- The true MVP's of the day!! We couldn't have done this without each of you!!
(All vendors listed are clickable links, check em out!)
Venue: The Old Rancho
Photos: Erica Benson, SoCal Standard
Video: Dis Moi Oui Films
Hair & Makeup: Cindy Stirling
Day-Of Coordination: Erin Purnell for Sassy Little Bee
Florals & Decor: Flowers by Annette Gomez assisted by
Music: Jose & Rudy, HVK Entertainment
Grub: Phil's BBQ
Desserts: The Gluten Free Baking Co
Invitation Artwork: Erin Squire, Ladybird Ink
Bride's Dress: Something Old, Something New
Bridal Accessories: Byline Jewelry
Groom's Suit: Men's Warehouse
The Story of Us
SLB: short for Sassy Little Bee, which is long for Amanda, the copper-clad wedding planner bride who never turns down a gluten-free baked good
MCH: short for Michael C. Hayes, everyone's favorite painter of beautiful ladies (not Michael Hayes the pro-wrestler), well known for his unpredictable wardrobe and currently sporting an epic lockdown beard
In 2013, thanks to the dating site OK Cupid and a nudge from a friend, we met at a Starbucks in Escondido and bonded over working conventions and being art-directed by clients. By some miracle in all the time since then with both of us working from home and pretty much living the quarantine life since before it was cool, we haven't managed to get sick of each other. There have been countless Comic Cons, camping trips and cats (so many cats), lots of patience and support, plenty of challenging times survived, and always love.
Mike proposed during an anniversary trip to San Luis Obispo--where we took one of our first and favorite road trips--on a beach near Hearst Castle. It was just us, a total surprise, and perfect in every way.
We got married in December 2020, moved to Montgomery, Alabama in January 2021 for Amanda's new job, and ready to take on whatever the next chapter of our life together may bring!!