Weddings during a pandemic

The Covid-19 Pandemic is terrible. It's struck a chord inside of people across the world, instigated political unrest, made everyone a scientist, and pitted a lot of great people against each other. We will never forget the toilet paper and paper towel shortages, bottled water and pasta flying off shelves like a hurricane was about to hit, daycares closing, businesses small and large shutting their doors for good, and labor shortages. Despite all of the terrible loss people have faced, I mean, like real loss, loss of loved ones, loss of freedoms and for some a loss of a life they had before, LOVE prevails. 

Ultimately, love wins. People have leaned into their marriage, friendships and family during these difficult times, and people have continued to love each other. I was witness to watching many couples still choosing to marry their better halves in smaller, private and very intimate ceremonies. With people needing to limit the number of guests, almost every single ceremony I have been a witness to since 2020 has incorporated very meaningful, sentimental and intimate vows, commitments and messages. People have really opened up and become vulnerable in all the right ways, sharing their commitments to children that were not born of them to personal struggles in their relationships that have built strong foundations in faith, and each other. I have seen people who haven't spoken with each other in years come together for the people they love the most. 

As things started to open back up, I expected a surge in larger weddings, instead, I have seen people appreciate the smaller, intimate weddings and elopements. People are also booking on important dates, rather than the busy summer Saturdays (saving money, and putting more meaning into their wedding day). My brides and grooms are really focused on each other, and their close loved ones, incorporating them into their ceremonies in new and creative ways. Some have been completely separating their wedding ceremonies from the "party," and hosting a reception at a later date. They tell me it's less overwhelming and allows them to really enjoy the union that they are making that day.

In the larger weddings I have been shooting, I have begun to see some of these elements added in as well. But at the end of the day, I see people appreciating the opportunity to come together and celebrate their loved ones. I think we might have taken that for granted for awhile, and for some people, weddings might have been a chore. Now, people are really showing up. 

To all of my clients who have invited me into your lives during such a trying time, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your most intimate day, moments, and your health. I do work with the public and did decide to get vaccinated, and I wear a mask if my clients would like me to, but I do not put my personal beliefs on you. For future clients, please let me know what I can do to help you feel safe or comfortable during these times of uncertainty. Let LOVE prevail. xoxo 

For more information about wedding photography, bridal portraiture sessions and more, please call Jennifer direct at 208.721.0658.