Last week concluded the six-season run of the beloved Schitt’s Creek, and talk about going out with a bang...it ended with a gay wedding! I always knew this show spoke to me beyond Alexis’s tales of celebrity encounters and Moira’s impossible-to-place cadence. If you read my last piece on the subject, I shared a few pointers if my own pinch-me moment were to happen and David & Patrick hired ME as their wedding planner. Since then, I have a few more words of wisdom on planning ‘simply the best’ wedding.
PRO TIP 7: Day-of Beauty
On the day of David and Patrick’s engagement shoot, David convinces Patrick he could use a bit more color to balance him out. While the photo featuring an orange-toned Patrick went viral, I do not recommend tanning or even getting a facial on the day-of. These can be fantastic services to elevate your appearance on your wedding day or before a photo shoot, but should always be done a few days in advance.
PRO TIP 8: Budget Clarity
David invites his father and Stevie to attend a tasting with his caterer of choice. While the food is sumptuous, Johnny’s face turned into pure panic as he learned the price per plate. While it’s tempting to be lured by talks of lobster and caviar, it’s always important to know your costs up front to avoid disappointment.
PRO TIP 9: Have Stevie Plan Your Bachelor Party!
On this one, I have to say the sarcastic, flannel-wearing brunette got it right. Many of my same-sex couples find the bacehlor or bachelorette experience to be based on a mold they don’t quite fit into. As Maid of Honor, Stevie curates a night to represent both of them.
PRO TIP 10: Have a Plan B
David wakes up the morning of his wedding to learn rain began overnight and is still in a state of torrential downpour. We then learn the wedding was meant to be outdoors, and he opted to forgo having a tent on hold in exchange for a wood fired pizza oven. Additionally, his officiant cancels due to the weather. I’d have to check the force majeure clause for the latter situation, but when anything is planned outside, always have Plan B.
PRO TIP 11: Avoid Wedding Day Shock
When David first sees his sister dressed for the event, he nearly melts down at the site of her dress. As Alexis justifies her wardrobe by the black and white theme, it’s clear David had something else in mind. I love when wedding parties are simply unified by color, but if you are getting married and have anything specific in mind, it’s important to communicate that clearly with your crew to avoid being disappointed.
While most of this has been about where I would have advised them differently, there is also so much they got right without yours truly. After all the reshuffling, the wedding of David and Patrick ensues and it’s clear they made many detailed choices that maximized event personalization:
The processional music begins and Patrick and his father, also serving as Best Man, take their places at the ceremony. While it’s more common at gay weddings for grooms to have seen each other in advance and both walk down the aisle, this choice seemed fitting given their relationship dynamic.
As Maid of Honor Stevie walks down the aisle with Father of the Groom Johnny Rose. Not only did this allow Moira to have an iconic entrance as the officiant, but it’s an example of how unique pairings in processionals can be the best way to go. Families look different, and this also celebrates the special relationship shared by these two characters. I also loved Stevie’s choice of a pant-suit in serving as a Maid of Honor at a gay wedding.
As David prepares to be escorted by his sister Alexis, a unique tradition I already applauded, we’re able to take in his look. Celebrating his signature style, David is wearing a kilt with a tuxedo jacket. He is also holding a bouquet. I adore when couples remove gender norms from traditions and own a moment!
For his entrance, the choice of music was “Simply the Best.” Choosing songs that are meaningful to a couples’ love story is one of the best ways to personalize a wedding.
As Patrick begins his seemingly sentimental vows, he transitions into singing “Always Be My Baby." While this part of the ceremony is very important, it doesn’t mean humor isn’t welcome.
David’s vows conclude with “Patrick Brewer, you are my happy ending." It’s a reference to something that happens earlier in the episode. It’s also a beautiful way for David to express his love in a way that only his betrothed totally gets.
Moira concludes the ceremony with “I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss each other.” The closing words in any ceremony are so important to be considered and decided upon with utmost detail. I love how here it celebrates them equally.
I have been a devoted fan of Schitt's Creek since I first saw the pilot. It has always made me laugh. However, in its final season it became something more. It still delivered on the fashion choices and precisely delivered one-liners, but it became a love story. It showcased beautiful examples of love - of family, friends, and community - and of course the love of a couple getting married. Nobody could have predicted we’d be watching the majority of this final season during a time that feels so chaotic and lonely, but it made it even more gratifying to have this Happy Ending.
In the words of the incomparable Moira Rose…
“It is all but impossible to explain why things happen the way they do. Our lives are like little baby crows carried upon a curious wind. And all we can wish - for our families, for those we love - is that that wind will eventually place us on solid ground.”
