Question for 2020 Brides (married)

I'll do an abbreviated rundown of our extensive pivoting:

OG date: July 11

Postponed date: November 28

In August, our venue gave us a grim outlook on what they were going to be able to offer (ceremony only, under 50 people). Given it was going to be a ceremony only at that point, and given that we didn't want to wait to be married, we decided to do a mini-mony in Yosemite. Yosemite had restrictions in place that only allowed groups of 10 or fewer (including couples and vendors), so it was going to be us, our two photographers, our officiant, and our parents.

Mini-mony date: September 24

Exactly one week out from our trip to Yosemite, the park closed down due to air quality from nearby fires. We had to change plans once again as we were not about to change the date we were getting married for a 4th time. We ended up in a park near us with a total of 15 people (we were able to have a couple siblings and officiant's wife join us since we weren't limited to 10).

Adventure shoot date in Yosemite: October 25

In all, our wedding day was definitely nothing that I originally envisioned. What helped me get excited was to find a plan that MADE me excited. Knowing we couldn't have our 200+ person wedding last year, I really needed to figure out what kind of event would get me as excited. When I figured out the top priority of the wedding (other than being married, of course), I figured it was photography. Knowing I wanted epic pictures (my husband really wanted to go to the courthouse from the beginning, so it was definitely my priority driving everything), finding a location that allowed us to get those pictures really helped me stay excited. We did an 8:00 am ceremony on our date, so that also helped me get excited, as I didn't have all day to think about what I would have been doing with my bridal party if plans hadn't changed. We're still planning on a reception this November in order to not lose out on all of our money (we were only 3 weeks out when we originally postponed), so hoping that we can celebrate with everyone later this year will help the excitement. However, if it ends up not happening, then I'll just chalk it up to that a reception wasn't supposed to happen. For me, it's truly about the mindset. Apparently, I don't know the definition of abbreviated! Best wishes for you and your future spouse!

I totally understand ❤️ I agree, no one can understand unless you are in the lucky club of being a covid bride 😷 We had our wedding in August (postponed from June). Honestly, what kept us going was knowing our planning would end soon, our close family saying “we will be there masks and all”. My lowest day was 10 days before our wedding finding out our backup ceremony location wouldn’t work. My adrenaline kicked in like never before and we redesigned the ceremony and it’s location (outdoor rooftop garden) a week before. I was afraid but knew I was too close to turn back (vendors paid for, second set of invitations out, family scheduled to come). For me, I was working so hard the excitement left me long before. However, when the rehearsal began and our guests arrived my excitement was at 100%! We were blessed and had the wedding out of our sweetest dreams 🌸 we are still shocked at how wonderful it actually was!! ❤️ I didn’t realize how strong me and my now husband are as we worked really hard under such stress to accomplish the wedding. A few photos below for fun on a ceremony planned in a week!! Good luck girlie and keep your chin up!! We can do this 👍

We went from 92 to 7 people and got married May 16 2020. What kept me going was knowing my hubby wanted this too, and was open to making it work during the pandemic. Having his support really helped motivate me. I was afraid because we got our marriage license end of April and in NJ it's only good for 30days. In the beginning of the pandemic you couldn't get a marriage license and that was scary we kept calling back weekly and finally got through, we had to stand outside with my mom as a witness to apply for it. The wedding day experience was quiet, the day of I was calm because I wasn't stressed and there was only 7 people. It was kinda sad too because hubby parents didn't come and their relationship isn't the best. We had fun though. Got married in an outdoor garden ceremony and reception at our apartment. It wasn't how we planned but I still loved it and so did he.

I should add, flowers did keep me going and after cutting our list down due to covid, I decided I was going to gift myself the flowers of my dreams in lieu of all our troubles leading up. 🌸🌼🌺

My daughter asked me to be her wedding planner/coordinator while she finished final year of college. Her original date was in June in CA. By mid April everything had been planned and paid for but I was obsessed with reading daily Covid reports knowing June wasn't going to happen. I convinced her to postpone to August, thinking things would be better. By June, things still weren't looking good for August and the venue could not project when they could open up as it was located in a stricter, locked down county. It was time to make some tough decisions and I was a nervous wreck (more than my daughter!) especially because we had many out of state guests coming who needed to be notified one way or the other. She refused to postpone again because she (and I) could not deal with the stress of still not knowing how things would be in 2021. I found a venue next county over that could accommodate 85 guests outdoors on 10 acres and they knocked 50% off venue fee since most brides were postponing and they were desperate for business AND they had a day of coordinator, so I was relieved of that duty because I really didn't want it. I was still on pins and needles every single day, watching the governor's briefing, and reading EVERY SINGLE Covid report/guideline, until the day of the wedding. It was the most stressful 5 months of my life and it wasn't even MY wedding but I felt responsible for ALL of it to include the safety of guests. The day finally came and it was lovely (Covid style) and thankfully it's over!

View Quoted Comment Well said!! I can relate ❤️❤️❤️

My husband and I decided to have 2 weddings. We did a minimony with our closest family and friends (35guests) in October and we're having a bigger wedding March 2021! We're legally married but want to be able to celebrate with our other family/friends and use our bridal party

View Quoted Comment This is so beautiful! Thank you so much for taking the time to share and congratulations!! And I love the support you got “masks and all...☺️

View Quoted Comment Your daughter is so lucky to have you. I’m glad everything ended up working out. You both must feel relieved now. Lol

View Quoted Comment I love that idea.

View Quoted Comment You two look gorgeous! And I’m inspired. Thanks for sharing and congratulations!

View Quoted Comment Love that you focused on the other part of the wedding that got you excited like photography. I probably should do the same. Congratulations and best wishes in November. It will go as beautiful as you want it.

View Quoted Comment Aww thank you and yes please be inspired, the pandemic doesn't mean your wedding day can't still be special!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much!! Of course- us covid brides will continue to cheer each other on ❤️❤️❤️