Sunday, September 6, 2020

Postcards from the Lake: This is How We Do Weddings in Covid-Land

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the daughter of my cousin David, Heather, had been planning her wedding to Mike for about a year. There would be 200 guests, a large, lovely dinner, all the trimmings a woman might want for this special day. 

 

 Heather is the only girl in that family, pictured above with her dad and brother Joe. Because she lives in Maryland, we don't see her often but when she brought Mike to the lake last summer, shortly before they announced their engagement, we knew he had to be a special guy.

 All the plans were made. She picked out a stunning gown, did invitations, had the wedding party lined up. And then Covid came along. Regrets came to invitations and state rules didn't allow for larger gatherings. Even many of her closest family members declined the reception, which was indoors. Plans were changed. Fittings were held wearing a mask.


But Saturday she made it down the outdoor aisle on the arm of her very proud dad. 


We watched on Zoom. I guess it's the way we'll be doing a lot of events these days.


What was best of all was seeing her look so happy. 


The officiant was wonderful and the setting was beautiful. Almost-live reports from cousins after said that the weather was perfect. There were chairs spaced for those who wanted to sit while others stood at a distance and most were masked.

 

I couldn't take pix in person, but did my best with the computer monitor! This was my favorite.


And down the aisle they go!


As they left, Rick and I opened a bottle of Prosecco.


We toasted the couple and enjoyed snacks, just as we would if we were there in person.

I hope she gets to wear that gorgeous dress to her first wedding anniversary party next year!

54 comments:

gigi-hawaii said...

What a lovely wedding! Their love shows through even on the computer.

Sandra Cox said...

What a beautiful bride. And great job on making the best of a COVID situation.

Jackie McGuinness said...

What a gorgeous dress! So happy they still had their day.

Louca por porcelana said...

What beautiful wedding!Love her stunning dress.I wish happiness to them.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

That's what my niece did, too.

Trying not to be sad about missing out on these things.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What a lovely wedding. And a very unique way to watch it!

Rustic Pumpkin said...

Wishing Every Happiness to the Bride and Groom!

What a beautiful bride, and wedding, even if not as planned.

Deb in Wales

Susie said...

Such a beautiful bride, Jeanie. I know you would have loved being there...but we have to do what we think is best for each of us. I would not go to any wedding. Or big gathering. Better safe than sick. Blessings to the young couple and all the family. xoxo, Susie

David M. Gascoigne, said...

All the best to the young couple. They will be just as married with or without the large ceremony and probably saved themselves a ton of money. And probably saved you a ton of money too!

DUTA said...

The bride on the arm of her proud father - very moving picture!

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

My hairdresser did exactly the same thing and is keeping her dress for a hopeful 1st covid-19 free anniversary party. Your cousin's daughter was a lovely bride. I love how so many of them were able and willing to change their plans. I do wonder. though, if huge weddings will become a thing of the past.

SingingRiverSoulSpa said...

Stunning bride - how beautiful she is:)
And you two - I love your smiling faces! Pure joy:)
Something so sad and yet also so special about this wedding - such
an intimate way to be present for years and years to come.
I love love:)
- Jennifer

Pamela said...

So many changes this year! Beautiful bride in a gorgeous dress.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

a beautiful bride and wedding no matter how you attend - lovely photos too

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I forgot to add that I am very happy to see you and Rick sitting side by side without masks.

Joanne Huffman said...

How wonderful to be able to witness it all through technology!

Jenny Woolf said...

That is one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have seen for a very long time. You have to be beautiful to wear it of course.

You must be sad to have missed this long awaited wedding, but how lovely it looks in the outdoor setting, and although it wasn't the same as being there, it must have been beautiful to follow along with prosecco ready to hand. Ccongratulations to the happy pair!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Many congratulations to the bride and groom, Jeanie. These times have disappointed so many. Still love remains. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the lovely bride and you and Rick toasting the happy couple.

Pam said...

What a beautiful gown but I have to say that the mask does not do anything for it..haha....Best wishes to them.

My name is Erika. said...

I love the idea of a zoom wedding. It was a great way for you to be there since you couldn't really be there. I got some photos from my niece's wedding the other day and it was lovely to see. It would have been nice if they zoomed, but they decided not to, so you were lucky to be able to zoom. Happy new week. Hugs-Erika

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I suspect we'll see a lot more Zoom weddings in the near future. That dress was absolutely STUNNING. I could tell how happy they were, even if it was from your computer screen.

Marilyn Miller said...

I don't know if it is because I am overly tired, but this made me tear up. How happy and sad and joyful all at the same time. So glad you were there in spirit and online.

BECKY said...

Jeanie, thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I emailed you and hopefully we'll get your comment to post! Oh my goodness, what a beautiful girl and handsome guy! And that wedding dress...WOW, it's just gorgeous. I'm sorry the plans were changed, but it looks like everything worked out really well. Congrats to the happy couple!

bobbie said...

Well done done, and her dress is gorgeous!!!

Terra said...

I like how they managed to go ahead and have a memorable wedding. Her choice of gown is especially lovely.

Lynne said...

Lovely Jeanie . . .
Simply lovely!
Beautiful bride, and yes, “the kiss” was lovely too.
Hopefully an in person visit will be happening in a year.
You and Rick look and sound like you “made it to the celebration!”
How nice, special . . .
love love

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,

They are a beautiful couple. Congrats and best wishes to them. The dress is gorgeous. Sorry you were not able to attend, but with the help of Zoom you were there. Love the photos. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, what a beautiful wedding! I feel for all the couples who had their weddings all planned, then Covid changed everything. Most that I know adjusted and just rolled with it. I am glad you and Rick enjoyed a celebratory toast. Happy Labor Day!

Stevenson Q said...

The Zoom wedding looks very cool. Different but still you can see the sense of solemnity since there are only a few people which an advantage it gives is a few noises :) But that dress is gorgeous dearest Jeanie! Plus your 'cheers' photo with Rick is so much fun :)

Mae Travels said...

All my best wishes to the bride & groom! So sorry you didn't get to be there in person. And thank you for sharing the images from Zoom.

be safe... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, I know you and Rick were so disappointed not to be able to attend in real life. However, thank goodness for technology and you didn't miss it. The bride looked beautiful with her handsome groom. Such a beautiful setting.
Hopefully, the virus will be a thing of the past for their first anniversary.
Happy week to you, Jeanie.

Karen said...

Thank goodness for zoom ~ What a beautiful bride! lot's of smiles ~ Cheers!

La Table De Nana said...

Sweeeeet:) Bittersweet .. I mean..I had to get married by a justice of the peace at 20 after being a catholic churchgoer all my life..and he looked at Jacques after the wedding and said better luck this time.(Jacques had been married before I knew him..catholics..frowned on this..lol)
So to me her wedding is bliss♥Years of health and happiness to them!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Ohmygosh, Heather was so beautiful in that DRESS! Congratulations to the couple. How sad that the plans had been mostly made and had to be retracted, but I'm glad they were able to go through with the ceremony (the most important part!).

Anca said...

It's sad not to be able to go there in person, but what a sweet memory to have. She looked wonderful and you were able to see her. I love her dress, it's stunning!

Lilbitbrit said...

So lovely, all the joy of getting married, in turbulent times. I think many people may be having super one year anniversary parties. My son as a sideline photographs weddings and that came to a total halt. Fortunately his full time job has carried right on through the pandemic. Zoom has been the lifeline for so many things, who would have thought. You look happy sharing in. Wishing you the best on the holiday weekend. Keep safe, keep well.

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm sorry you guys couldn't be there in person, and she had to change a lot of the plans. But I'm glad it was still a wonderful day, and she was still as happy as she should be on her wedding day. Congratulations to the happy couple. I hope they will have many years together.

Divers and Sundry said...

Congratulations on a successful event in these times! And best wishes for the happy couple for their future together :)

anno said...

There's so much love here -- and the bride is radiant! Congratulations & much happiness to them both. What a beautiful beginning...

Tamara said...

what a beautiful dress! and from your images, it looks like a gorgeous day and wonderful celebration. She will certainly have happy memories of the day and the fact she was surrounded by loved ones in the virtual world - enjoying bubbles with her. And, she has your virtual memory book here on your blog!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Thanks for sharing this special family day and nice to see you and Rick toasting the happy couple. Glad they were able to salvage their special day despite the pandemic. We all deserve happy moments.

Mereknits said...

Congrats to the very happy couple. Isn't it a blessing you were able to watch it live. Stay safe.

Lowcarb team member said...

What a lovely wedding and a beautiful bride.
Many congratulations and every happiness to them.

All the best Jan

Cindy said...

Great idea to celebrate at home! I heard people around the country were watching weddings and things from home but it just never occurred to me that they should also celebrate. Very smart!

Iris Flavia said...

Well. "bad" as it is... this will be a wedding to remember very BIG!
Against the odds and happy! You all likely will tell of this often 🧡🧡

Little Wandering Wren said...

Oh gosh, that dress is so special. I love the back details. I am so glad you are able to watch it via zoom and very clever to capture the image.
Many congratulations. I have written an article called COVID the God of Love. I reckon those coming together in these times will do well, if they have made it to married, Don't you?
Wren x

Tracy said...

aaawww... pass the hankies!! How wonderful--congrats to Heather and Mike! The kiss pic is my fav!! :) Given the circumstances, it looks like they were able to have a really nice ceremony! Would be lovely if they could have a party this time next year, gown and all--what a nice way to celebrate their first year! I'm sooo glad they had their happy day, even if it was VERY different from the one they were imaging! I guess because I'm not a party person, I see the alternatives to make occasions still happen a wonderful thing. A wedding is one day, granted very special. But the marriage lasts through the years, it's more than one day, and the anniversaries grow most special. :) ((HUGS))

The French Hutch said...

It's sad for all the brides and all their plans. I think she pulled off a lovely wedding in spite of Covid. You and Rick look like you enjoyed the wedding too. Happy week Jeanie..........

Sami said...

It's sad you couldn't attend but at least thanks to technology you got to share in the wedding ceremony via zoom.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Oh, Jeanie, what a beautiful bride with such gorgeous hair. What a shame all this stuff is going on and you couldn't enjoy the wedding in person, but looks like you were there in spirit for sure. Stay well my friend..xxoJudy

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I’m glad you were able to participate albeit virtually. She was a gorgeous bride! I hope they can have a big party in a year or so to celebrate their nuptials!!!

fredamans said...

Strange days indeed but better to zoom than have nothing at all. Beautiful wedding, gorgeous bride! Congrats to the lovely couple, wishing them many years of happiness, love and laughter.

French Ethereal said...

Just beautiful, Jeanie! I'm glad your second cousin and her spouse had a wonderful late summer/early fall wedding... Her dress was lovely and she looked lovely!!! I know I had the best time seeing my best friend's daughter walk down the aisle with both her mother and father. We all had tears!

Happy to feature your post today at Share Your Style as we kick off fall features. <3
Many hugs and congratulations to the happy couple. May they enjoy a long and happy life together!
Barb :)

French Ethereal said...

Oh my, Jeanie!!! I love a wedding and I thought I'd left a message but perhaps not, so... I'll write again. :) Thank you for linking up at Share Your Style a week or so ago. I was happy to feature your post at this past week's SYS #274 on Wednesday. Your niece looks lovely and their wedding looks like it was a wonderful event, either in person or viewing over the airwaves!!!

Many congratulations to the happy couple,
Enjoy decorating for fall,
Barb :)

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