Tyler and Melanie Tapajna’s wedding day didn’t turn out the way they’d envisioned it, but they couldn’t have kicked off their marriage in a better way!
The couple from Parma, Ohio, was looking forward to a big ceremony, complete with a DJ and catered food. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic threw a wrench in those plans, forcing them to cancel their reception in August. But since they’d already paid for the food, they decided to make their day special for other families too.
They ended up tying the knot in an intimate backyard ceremony with their immediate family members. Afterwards, they headed to Laura’s Home, a women’s shelter in Cleveland that’s run by a nonprofit called The City Mission. The organization provides shelter to struggling families and helps them get back on their feet.
Still decked out in their gown and tux, the couple donned hairnets and masks to serve up the fried chicken, green beans, salad, and mac and cheese they’d ordered.
Their generous donation fed 135 women and children. Not only did everyone enjoy their meal, but they also felt cared for by complete strangers!
According to Richard Trickel, The City Mission’s CEO, this was the first time someone donated their reception food to the center.
He said, “They could’ve done a hundred other things, and yet they’re choosing to do this, a real act of giving and compassion on a day that is the most important day of their life.”