The ongoing pandemic has resulted in many couples around the world having to postpone their weddings.
Not only is this incredibly heartbreaking, but it also comes with a great deal of stress, as bride and grooms have been trying to rearrange photographers, venues, flowers, guests, and catering for another date - some with more success than others.
However, for Melanie and Tyler Tapajna, after being forced to scrap their big extravagant wedding reception, they decided that they didn't want to let all the food go to waste.
So, in an incredible gesture, the couple donated it all to a local women and children's shelter. Not only that, but they also hung around to serve it - all while wearing their tux and bridal gown.
The couple was originally supposed to get married in front of 150 guests, and already had their caterers booked. But due to the pandemic, the couple instead tied the knot in front of 12 loved ones and the family dog on August 15, in an intimate gathering in Melanie’s grandparents' yard.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds paid a visit to Laura's Home, a women and children's shelter run by The City Mission in Cleveland, Ohio.
Speaking to Insider, the couple chose to stay and serve the food "to be able to experience the full act of donating".
Melanie explained: "We could have just donated, but we would have never been able to see how happy it made everyone."
Sharing pictures of the wonderful gesture on their official Facebook page, a spokesperson from The City Mission wrote: "These newlyweds are here to make your day!
"When Melanie and Tyler's formal wedding reception was canceled due to COVID-19, they decided they not only wanted to donate their reception food to our guests at Laura's Home, but also to serve the meal in their gown and suit!
"We pray this amazing couple is blessed immensely in their marriage, and thank them for inviting our guests to their wedding feast."
Per CNN, a local food truck served up to 135 women and children fried chicken, green beans, salad, and mac and cheese.
Speaking of their wonderful day, Melanie told Insider: "Even though this was different to what we planned, overall we made so many more friends and family in the process.
"You normally just invite the people you know. We never thought we would have met so many amazing people planning this. We could not be happier with the outcome. I would do it all over again."
An amazing gesture by a truly amazing couple!
