533 days.
Bridesmaid Gabby had done the math. 533 days from April 25, 2020, to October 9, 2021. The former date was the day she was supposed to giving this speech. That was the day we were all going to congregate in Bemidji at First Presbyterian Church to watch Kate and Jarad become husband and wife. That was the day they were to embark on the next chapter of their story with all their friends and family.
Gabby was still there that day, and Kate and Jarad did become husband and wife, but it looked a lot different than planned. There was no large gathering as per the governor’s orders. Families that lived internationally were unable to make their trek to bare witness to their love. Pastor Chip was still there, and Gabby did get to serve as maid of honor. And make up artist. And photographer (something for which their hired photographer will be eternally grateful, as it broke her heart not to be there…just saying.)
But 533 days later, when our world was (kind of) back to normal, the love story of Kate and Jarad continued. There were still some missing faces as some family were still not permitted to travel, and the refreshing spring palette of blues and mauves were replaced with warm and rich fall tones. But all that truly mattered was this: Kate still loved Jarad, Jarad still loved Kate, and they were more than anxious, eager, and ready to reaffirm their love nearly a year and a half after their first “I dos.”
And it was gorgeous and well worth the wait.
Congratulations again, Mr. and Mrs. Syrstad! Thank you for letting me celebrate with you!!
VENDORS
C E R E M O N Y // First Presbyterian Church – Bemidji
R E C E P T I O N // South Shore Conference Center at Hampton Inn – Bemidji
M A K E U P // Artistry by Kelsey Karns
D R E S S // Formalities
B R I D E S M A I D S // Piper + Scoot
F L O R A L S // KD Floral
