This year has been full of twists and turns, and nobody knows that better than a 2020 bride. Whether your venue closed down and you had to postpone, or your local guidelines forced you to downsize your guest list, it’s likely you’ve had to make adjustments if you had a wedding planned during the pandemic.

We sat down with Megan, our first bride to have her wedding at 21c during the COVID-19 era, for a look into her 21c Oklahoma City wedding. Through all the changes, she’s handled everything thrown her way, and even offers some advice to those planning during these uncertain times.

21c: How did you meet?

Megan: We met at the reception of our best friends’ wedding – these friends are also the Matron of Honor and Best Man at our wedding. I had officiated their wedding earlier that day and during the reception, my best friend introduced us. She had been speaking highly of Jeff for several weeks and finally got us in the same room together. She knew there would be a spark!

21c: What were you looking for in a venue? How did you know you found the one?

Megan: We were looking for a venue that was unique. We loved the art and the unique circular setting of the venue. We rented both the 21c Suite – for that fantastic balcony! – and the Main Gallery for our wedding so that we could have both outside and inside options. Due to COVID-19, we needed to think “social distance” and have multiple options for space.

21c: If you channel some magic penguin-godmother magic and relive your favorite moment from your wedding day, what would it be?

Megan: I loved every part of my wedding! Spending the day in the 21c suite with my bridesmaids was amazing, walking down the aisle with my father and our masks, listening to my Matron of Honor give her speech, and the late night after party with the DJ on the balcony.

21c: What are people still talking about from your wedding?

Megan: The late night after party with the DJ on the balcony.

21c: Which detail are you most proud of?

Megan: I am most proud that no one contracted COVID-19. We did NOT have a super spreader event. In fact, the rules set by 21c eased my anxiety around having a wedding during a pandemic.

21c: How did your wedding reflect who you are as a couple?

Megan: We were able to have our 14-year-old dog in the ceremony with us. She stayed in the suite while the reception happened. She is almost fully deaf so when the late night after party was happening, she was sleeping quietly in our room. We were so happy to see all of our friends and family who were able to safely travel. We were missing a lot of loved ones due to the pandemic but my amazing cousin was able to set up a live zoom for them to experience the ceremony. Our wedding was unique and fun!

21c: Do you have any tips for brides-to-be to make their day as stress-free as possible?

Megan: Make sure the people around you during the day are YOUR PEOPLE. Your people that calm you and would do anything for you. And absolutely LOVE you.

Photos courtesy of Michelle Valantine Photography

Want to learn more about hosting your wedding at 21c? Explore 21c Weddings.