On October 23, 2020, I married my favorite person in the world. Our wedding was nothing like we had planned since the pandemic forced us to cut our guest list from 200 to 20, change the location of our ceremony and reception, and add video technology so hundreds of people could attend virtually. Despite all of this, we’re so happy to be married today. Looking back, I am so happy that I had my Edge 3 Power Wheelchair with iLevel to help get me through my wedding day. Here’s just a few ways that my iLevel made my day easier.
Hair and Makeup
We had a hair stylist and makeup artist come to the bridal suite before the wedding to do our hair and makeup. Thanks to iLevel on my power wheelchair, I raised up to the perfect height. My makeup artist could reach my face without any issues and apply perfect makeup. I also raised up so that the hair stylist could easily reach my head. As a result, my hair and makeup were finished quickly and they made me look and feel beautiful.
Zipping My Dress
My sister and my best friend helped me to put my final touches on before I went to see my husband. After slipping into my dress and putting on my shoes, I raised my motorized wheelchair so that my sister and my best friend, who are both tall women, could help me zip up the back of my dress with ease.
First Look Pictures
My husband and I decided to do a “first look” before our ceremony and it was my favorite part of our day. I started at iLevel, completely raised, when he turned around to see me. Then, because my husband uses a manual wheelchair, I touched one button and slowly lower to his height as I rolled towards him. It was a magical moment that I will cherish forever.
Hugging Our Parents
COVID-19 has deprived us all of hugs. By the time our wedding day came, we were seven months into the pandemic. With our limited guest list and negative COVID tests, we couldn’t hold back from hugging our parents. Being at iLevel helped me to make the most out of these quick hugs!
Bridesmaids’ Pictures
All of my bridesmaids walk. They’re much taller than me unless I use my iLevel to raise up. I did not want my bridesmaids sitting down in pictures. So, thanks to iLevel, I raised up my wheelchair seat and took pictures with them as they all stood by my side. The pictures look stunning thanks to my great photographer and my gorgeous bridesmaids.
About Stephanie Woodward: Stephanie is a brand ambassador advisor for Quantum Rehab® and works as a disability rights activist. She has received many awards for helping communities become more accessible, as well as for her actions in fighting for the rights of disabled individuals as it relates to Medicaid and other support services. Click here to learn more about Stephanie.
