My 107-year-old grandmother inspired me to choose an unconventional wedding venue: her senior-living community

When my 107-year-old grandma casually mentioned that she doesn't akin getting in and out of cars, I realized I knew the ideal location for my wedding: her retirement community.

I didn't develop up in, and don't currently live in, the identical location as most of my family, including my grandma. So whenever I started thinking concerning wedding venues, I was example a blank. Then I realized that the location that would be easiest for everyone was the withdrawal community I've visited additional than 100 times since I was little.

The venue has a pond, beautifully landscaped grounds, and plentifulness of space. All things many group would appearance for in a wedding venue. But for me, the finest part is knowing that the most crucial visitant volition be most apt to display up: my grandma.

It's not a traditional wedding venue, but it has everything I want

Maybe you're picturing a gray, sterile environment. This location is far from that.

While the community my grandma lives in may not appearance akin a traditional wedding venue, and there is continually a puzzle being put together somewhere, it does have a lot to offer. There's a pond surrounded by flowers, multiple rooms to reserve, and roomy parking.

There's additionally the advantage of my grandma being capable to get from her flat to the ritual in fair five minutes.

My entire family already knows the location, since they sojourn regularly. I additionally have fond memories of the place: the juniper trees out front, taking lengthy walks about the pond, spotting swans and bunnies nearby, and, of course, sitting in my grandma's apartment. It's a location that's already particular to me.

I cognize choosing an untraditional location that has likely never hosted a wedding could be risky, but it helps that the wedding volition be small and I have so many relatives who live nearby to help.

When I projected the idea to my partner, he immediately stated yes. He had visited the location many times and idea it was a awesome idea. He additionally liked that we didn't have to hunt extremely much to discover our venue.

Other aspects volition be unconventional, too

The decision to presenter my wedding at this distinctive location has made me rethink what we're really trying to accomplish alongside a wedding. Rather than choosing a venue according to what looks notable in photos or what couples are "supposed" to do, my fiancé and I are choosing a location according to the group we most desire there.

The rest of our wedding will be likewise untraditional: pies alternatively of cake, I won't be wearing white, and many of the most average wedding rituals won't be part of the day.

Thankfully, my family is on board. Nobody objects to me saying my vows at a elder living community. They all cognize how much my grandma method to me, and it's a family value to be applicable and think concerning others.

The decision is additionally partially selfish. Not having to appearance at another venues helps combat decision fatigue, and this location ticks all the boxes I wanted. I wanted a area alongside many of nature nearby and item near to the catering business I am operating with. I don't see this as a colony or settling in any way.

The wedding is coming up next summer; it's planned for my grandma's birthday, which fair happens to autumn on a Saturday that plant alongside our schedule.

We won't be allowed to have noisy music, alcohol, or fireworks since of the location, but I wouldn't have wanted those things at another venue either. I desire the day I get wed to be low-stress, alongside my partner and me surrounded by nature and the group we affection most.