A couple held their wedding at a drive-in movie theater during the pandemic and the results were magical

Erin McDowellJul 2, 2020, 20:37 IST

Guests watched the wedding ceremony from the parking lot.Marshall Scott Photography

Shannon Hoffman and Steven Sminkey decided to get married on their original wedding date at their pre-decided venue, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic disrupting their original plans.
The ceremony was broadcast on the venue's huge drive-in movie screen so all their friends and family could attend and still social distance.
"Everything we suggested, the venue went with," Hoffman told Insider. "If we had been able to go ahead with our 'normal' wedding, we would have of course been happy, but everything turned out so amazing."

When Shannon Hoffman and Steven Sminkey of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, realized their dream wedding might not go off without a hitch as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the couple decided to get creative.

Still wanting to get married on their original date, June 20, Hoffman and Sminkey waited to see how the pandemic would unfold before canceling, postponing, or changing their wedding plans. Then, inspiration struck when their venue, The SunnyBrook Ballroom, began hosting socially distanced drive-in movie nights.

"I then brought up the idea of having a drive-in movie wedding," Hoffman told Insider. "When the venue heard my idea, they told me, 'We could totally do this.'"

Here's a look at Shannon and Steven Sminkey's drive-in wedding.

Shannon Hoffman and Steven Sminkey met through unusual circumstances and the rest was history.

Shannon Hoffman and Steven Sminkey. Marshall Scott Photography

When it came to tying the knot, their wedding plans, from the venue to the dress, were all in order — then, the pandemic hit.

Hoffman getting ready on the wedding day. Marshall Scott Photography

However, when SunnyBrook began holding drive-in movie nights, Hoffman got a burst of inspiration.

Guests arrive at the venue wearing face masks. Marshall Scott Photography

Immediately, everyone from Hoffman and Sminkey's wedding photographer to the venue staff were all on board to give the couple their dream wedding day.

Shannon and Steven Sminkey's wedding. Marshall Scott Photography

In the end, over 100 people on their guest list were able to attend the wedding — including Hoffman's grandparents, who reside in an assisted-living facility.

Shannon's grandparents, who live in an assisted living facility, watch from the location's van. Marshall Scott Photography

From drive-in-friendly food to a live band playing before the ceremony, every aspect of Shannon and Steven Sminkey's wedding came together.

Guests toasting in the parking lot. Marshall Scott Photography

Then, as the sun went down over Pottstown, the ceremony began and the crowd went wild.

Shannon and Steven Sminkey's wedding. Marshall Scott Photography

Guests were able to watch Hoffman and Sminkey get married on the venue's large projection screen.

Guests watched the wedding ceremony from the parking lot. Marshall Scott Photography

Audio of the ceremony and the couple's vows were broadcast over a low-frequency FM transmitter to the cars.

Guests watch the ceremony from the parking lot. Marshall Scott Photography

Both Hoffman and Sminkey were thrilled they were able to spend the day with almost everyone on their guest list — and get married in such a unique way.