Weddings in the age of COVID-19
Let’s be honest, we have had better times!
Like everyone else I was enjoying the last burst of summer before we moved into autumn and suddenly the pandemic was the only thing on our minds. I was looking forward to the last weddings of the season and like many of my colleagues was thrown into a panic trying to assist clients to re-arrange their weddings to later in 2020 in the hope that their wedding could still proceed.
The best thing about this process was to see how people have taken it in their stride and have either adapted their plans or moved them completely.
In a matter of weeks we saw weddings restricted from 100 people down to 5 (couple, 2 witnesses and celebrant), churches were closed and other venues closed and for now that was it. It is almost as if you were better off dead with more people allowed at a funeral than getting married. Go figure!
One of my couples decided to not be deterred by the 5 person rule and we worked together to capture the day. What can I say? I love my long lenses!. I was able to remain socially distant, and was still able to capture the day. Don’t get me wrong this was not your standard wedding. Half of the guests were stuck in the United Kingdom due to the travel bans and with the number of restrictions local friends and family couldn’t attend either. It really was just the ceremony and photos at the end with the couple.
Flexibility became the key, the date was brought forward and I know all of the suppliers involved joyfully facilitated this to make the day a success. Sure there was no reception (this will happen in 2021) but we were still able to take advantage of some beautiful weather at Station Pier with one of the massive cruise ships sitting at port in the background (at a distance).
What did I learn from this?
That determination and a good sense of humour will win out every time. In fact the stories about the wedding will be part of their personal family history. It will become part of their folklore.
I also learnt the importance of being flexible. As one of the suppliers for this event I was fortunately able to adapt to any change. I recall calling the bride on one occasion and saying to her that I was pretty much able to do the wedding at short notice should she wish to move it. There was a genuine concern that we would move to stage 4 restrictions (which thankfully didn’t happen). So, with 24 hours’ notice the date was changed and the wedding went ahead, with me shooting late afternoon on a Saturday, with all of the necessary social distancing and wedding restrictions adhered to.
So what are your experiences in the time of isolation and covid-19?
Mark Avellino is available for some 2020 and 2021 weddings contact him at info@markavellinoweddings.com.au
