Tess and Parker planned their wedding in just three and a half weeks! They held the celebration in an AirBnB in Louisville in November. They had plans for a 2025 wedding, but given everything going on in the US, they felt it was important to be wed before the years end. 

The day began with the couple sharing a drink at a local bar while their friends decorated the space for the ceremony. They tied the knot in front of just a select few friends, followed by cocktails and rounds of Uno. From there, they headed to dinner to share a meal with their families.

“I had always wanted a small ceremony,” Tess said. “Most ‘typical’ bridal traditions felt a bit archaic to us. Our original plans for a May 2025 wedding were quickly halted after the November election results due to concerns with my intention to formally initiate my gender marker to ‘X’. I had admittedly been planning the vibes for quite some time, but the reality of planning a wedding in 3.5 weeks set in quickly.”

They also saved a ton of money by only having 15 guests. “The ‘reception’ being intimate drinks and dinner for 15 helped offset the food and drink budget, plus not having to hire entertainment”, they continued. “Our biggest cost was our photographer. Several friends and family members had poor experiences with their wedding photographers, and we knew that photos were something we wanted to prioritise. We also wanted some candid and film shots so Sydney was the perfect fit – well worth it!!!”

Even though they stayed fair away from most of the wedding industry, their were still some hurdles, particularly in fashion. In the end, Jess opted for a non-bridal dress which they accessorised with a green veil and pink gloves found on Etsy. “Shopping for plus-size wedding outfits is not for the faint of heart,” Tess said. “Finding a plus-sized, gender-neutral choice is nearly impossible. The industry needs to stop catering to a specific body or gender type. People should be encouraged to express themselves freely, especially through clothing.”