An Intimate Backyard Minimony in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie and Ravon were forced to scale back their wedding from 100 guests to an intimate celebration with just a few close loved ones in attendance. The inspiration behind their wedding was "a cross between a botanical-themed wedding and a spa." The couple loves the outdoors and envisioned their wedding with a "simple, clean look while weaving spa elements that allowed guests to feel a sense of calmness and peace, as is found in nature." Although the pandemic meant the couple couldn't celebrate with as many people as initially planned, a silver lining of the event in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was that they were able to reallocate much of their budget to upgraded rental items to bring their botanical spa theme to life. Fashion also played a big role in bringing their botanical spa aesthetic to life. Both Ravon and Stephanie chose attire that encompassed a "clean and simple look." Ravon chose a white jacket with forest green trousers to "symbolize the couple's love for nature." Meanwhile, Stephanie chose an A-line dress with a shawl on top to catch the wind and accentuate the clean breeze of the day. 

To bring personalization to their New Jersey wedding, the couple released 30 Painted Lady butterflies at the end of the wedding. "The butterflies symbolized a new beginning for the couple and their two kids, Aaden and Olivia," explains the couple's wedding planner. Looking back, the couple recalls their vow exchange and communion as the most memorable part of the wedding day. "Revered Bryon White led the couple through their traditional Christian communion ceremony as a special and intimate moment between husband and wife," shares the couple's wedding planner. 

For current to-be-weds, the couple has this advice to share: "Focus more on preparing for the marriage rather than planning a wedding ceremony. Marriage is for a lifetime, a ceremony is for one day. Allow other couples to invest in your marriage, pray for your marriage and encourage you while you prepare yourselves for your new chapter of life."