The first kiss of newlyweds Alyssa and Oliver Jarrett was broadcast via a jumbotron as guests watched the ceremony from their vehicles, Saturday afternoon, April 18. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Betts.

By Kory Betts
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — There’s a saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Imagine that lemon is a worldwide pandemic. Newlywed couple Alyssa and Oliver Jarrett faced a dilemma after their original wedding plans were ruined by the national health emergency.

As viewed from the jumbotron, Alyssa Jarrett (left) and Oliver Jarrett (right,) look on as Alyssa’s father, Jeff Seaver (center) officiated the ceremony. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Betts.

When plans for a big wedding, reception and a Tennessee honeymoon fell by the wayside, the couple and their family members developed a Plan B.

On Saturday afternoon, April 18, the ceremony was held inside of the New Harvest Church of the Nazarene with immediate family. Meanwhile, people in 36 vehicles watched the nuptials via a Jumbotron parked on the lawn beside the church building. The idea was inspired by Crossroads Community Church broadcasting its Sunday sermons on a large screen to congregates in their vehicles, said Alyssa Jarrett.

“We said, ‘Hey, what about that?’,” Alyssa Jarrett said.

“Everyone could stay socially distant in their cars and be safe,” said Oliver Jarret of the alternative plans.

The Jarrett’s wedding was officiated by Alyssa Jarrett’s father, Jeff Seaver.

When the couple shared their first kiss as newlyweds, Alyssa Jarrett said the sounds of car horns from the attendees outside could be heard inside of the sanctuary. The two’s first dance as a couple to the song “Speechless” by Dan + Shay was also broadcast on the large outdoor screen.

The Jarrett’s greeted attendees as they drove by the entrance of the church following the ceremony.

According to Alyssa Jarrett, the new plan came together over a couple of weeks. The current restrictions that prohibit large public gatherings forced the couple to decide whether or not to wait or find an alternative.

“We had no idea when the ban would be lifted,” said Oliver Jarrett. “You might as well get married because you have forever to spend with each other,” he said.

Alyssa and Oliver Jarrett share their first dance to as newlyweds to “Speechless” by Dan + Shay while attendees watched the jumbotron from their vehicles. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Betts.

The couple seemed pleased with their alternative wedding plans. “I think it’s honestly more perfect,” said Alyssa Jarrett. The couple thought their alternative worked out better than what was originally planned. “It’s just better,” said Oliver Jarrett. The two currently do not have plans to hold a larger gathering once the social distancing restrictions are lifted.

The couple wasn’t distracted by the cameras in the church during the ceremony. “I didn’t really see them, I was too busy looking at her,” Oliver Jarrett said.

The Jarrett’s held a small reception after the ceremony with immediate family and close friends. They said they intend to spend their honeymoon in Brown County. Prior to the wedding, the couple lived as neighbors in Milford. They plan to move once they return from their honeymoon.

Some advice from the bride?

To anyone struggling with similarly dashed wedding plans, “just figure it out – don’t wait,” said Alyssa Jarrett.

The Jarrett’s talked with guests who drove by the church’s entrance after the ceremony. InkFreeNews photo by Kory Betts.