With 2017 coming to an end, we’re sharing one of the most generous love stories of the year. Brace yourselves.
Houston natives Shellie Schoellkopf and Robert Callaway were supposed to get married in a big Southern ceremony and reception in their home state of Texas on October 7th. Hurricane Harvey had other plans. The couple decided to cancel their reception and donate the $5,000 price tag of the post-ceremony party to help their community, which was devastated after the storm. This story of paying it forward doesn’t end there either.
Meanwhile, a few hundred miles north, local New York married couple, Cat Greenleaf (who you may recognize from USA’s “Talk Stoop” where she interviews celebs on her stoop in Brooklyn with her rescue pups) and her husband Mike Rey, had recently opened a stunning wedding venue upstate, The Catskill Mountain House. Moved by Shellie and Robert’s story, they flew them out for an elopement re-do and honeymoon on the gorgeous property, complete with a glamorous tour of New York City to see the sights.
From timeless crystal flutes that would make Liz Taylor swoon to charming Airstream caravans and bold patterns, these photos captured by Mekina Saylor Weddings will take you back in time to what feels like a 1960s movie set. If this story of paying it forward (twice!) doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies, I don’t know what will.
Photography: Mekina Saylor Weddings | Venue: The Catskill Mountain House