Before the pandemic hit, Tyler and Melanie Tapajna, from Parma, Ohio, had arranged to celebrate their nuptials in a more traditional way. They had planned a big party of 150 people, and hired a DJ and local caterer to help ring in their big day in August.
The couple chose for security reasons to close the big gathering, and donate what the food would have been at their party – from Ohio-based food truck and catering service Betty’s Bomb Ass Burgers – to a shelter.
“It was really the big wedding or gave it food,” Melanie Tapajna told CNN. “We were actually pretty excited. I think more about donating the food than complaining during the wedding.”
Tyler, who was dressed in a black and white tuxedo, and Melanie, who was wearing her white lace wedding dresses, put on her face masks and put on gloves and hairnets to serve the food.
They served fried chicken, green beans, salad and mac and cheese to a total of 135 women and children, according to Rich Trickel, the CEO of The City Mission.
“Actually, that had never happened before,” said Trickel, who coordinated with the couple and the catering to deliver the food. “It was really unbelievable, especially when you think about many of our clients, the women and children who are in our building, may have never been to a wedding before.”
The couple said they hope their donation will inspire others whose plans have been derailed by the virus.
“You can definitely give back in times like these,” Melanie said.
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