Newlyweds Donate And Serve Wedding Reception Food To Local Women's Shelter

Tyler and Melanie Tapajna of Parma, Ohio had arranged a traditional wedding ceremony with a 150-person party, a DJ, and local caterers before the pandemic hit. However, when events began to be cancelled and venues began closing, they were forced to change their plans.

The couple held a small backyard wedding with immediate family members in lieu of the large celebration. They then headed over to Laura's Home, a women and children's facility run by The City Mission in Cleveland, to make their donation.

"It was really either have the big wedding or donate the food," Melanie told CNN. "We were actually kind of excited I think more about donating the food than being stressed during the wedding."

Tyler, who wore a black and white tuxedo, and Melanie, who wore her white lace wedding gown, grabbed face masks, gloves, and hair nets 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. He said, "It was really unbelievable especially when you think of many of our clients, the women and kids that are in our building, possibly have never been at a wedding like that before."

The couple said they hope their donation inspired others who have had their plans altered by the pandemic.

Photo Credit: Getty