One of the worst things that can happen to a bride would be having to reschedule her wedding day. With all the unexpected COVID-19 situations we’ve faced, Rachel and Joe were one of my many couples that had to make the decision “Do we proceed or reschedule?” Instead of completely rescheduling their plans, they just changed it up a bit! Instead of the original venue they had picked, they chose to be married in their backyard with their close friends and immediate family with a zoom set up with almost all of their guests!
When they told me they were planning to keep their wedding date but have their day be much smaller than planned, at their home, I was so excited for them. I had been to their home before as some of their engagement photos were taken in their backyard. Now, they were going to be saying vows right in the yard where when they walk out of their home, they can look over and memories of this amazing day will come rushing to them. It was perfect.
They had just a few family and friends there which allowed for social distancing and safety measures due to COVID-19. I kept my mask on used my lenses that allowed for distance to be between us all.
They had beautiful details to make their day special and I loved getting to photograph them all. The cake, the champagne glasses, the bracelet she wore, The wedding gown, the grooms boutonnière, the groom pocket square and the bride and groom’s face masks all have a special meaning for them. I remember the day Rachel had picked out her wedding dress, she emailed me a photo of it full of excitement! Since that email, I could not wait to see it in person and my gosh, it was AMAZING! It was truly made for her! The way it flowed in the wind and how she would just play with it to make it move was so beautiful! The detail on the dress was something I had never seen before on a wedding gown- There was orange and blue color design with the words “Je T’Aime” throughout. You really needed to look hard to see it, but it’s there and it is just so classy and romantic.
You see, COVID did not stop them from keeping their wedding date. Things were definitely not as they originally planned, but the beauty that was made out of this situation is all that matters. I guess one benefit of a covid wedding is that I get to see them again next year! Yep, They will have their Castle in the Clouds wedding next June and all the family and friends that joined this celebration on Zoom, will be there in person. For now, they can look back at their original date and remember the official day they became husband and wife.
Rachel and Joe, I can not thank you enough for inviting me back to your home to capture this special day for you. I missed you guys ( and Pepper!) and I just loved that I was there to see you exchange your vows and capture these memories for you. The day was so perfect and emotional in so many ways. Watching you guys light up seeing your biggest fans on Zoom gave me all the feels, and the fact that many of them dressed up for the occasion is so awesome! I am excited to get to see them all in person next year. Nutmeg is adorable and the way she was trying to take over Pirates speech was too funny. I wish you both so much happiness and good memories each time you walk into your backyard. I am excited to celebrate again next year with you guys, but for now, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek of your “first” wedding day. I love you guys! xoxo
Wedding Dress: Leanne Marshall | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Venue: Backyard at Bride and Groom’s Home (Soon to be Castle in the Clouds) | Cake: Autumn Nomad
Engagement Session Featured on Tacari Weddings