Colourful Summer Covid Wedding on the Farm
2020 has been a weird year for weddings, and sometimes it seems like it’s not even worth talking about anymore. That’s exactly why I’m starting this blog series, because I want to celebrate our “Covid weddings” and, at the same time, inspire you with ideas on how you can make sure that Covid-19 doesn’t define your wedding!
This is the 4th instalment of the Covid Weddings series, and it’s extra special because the bride is my second cousin / lifelong best friend!
ROBERTA & FERNANDO ~ AUGUST 7, 2020
Photos by Esther Funk Photography
We made the official decision June 1 but knew probably mid May and discussed alternatives prior to making the decision. So when we made the decision all it took was drafting the email we sent out and sending it out.
Our decision was to go ahead with the ceremony, and postpone the reception to whenever the borders opened. Our ceremony consisted of my immediate family (unfortunately Fer's family could not attend being from out of the country), the girls who would be in my wedding party, and Fernando's groomsman and wife. We had 15 people total, then had a delicious meal.
Now I’m not going to share TOO many of the details of this wedding today, because I am going to basically cover my blog with them all winter long lol. I did both floral and event design, so I have a LOT to tell you. Basically, all you need to know for now is that Roberta and Fernando both love colour and we took that very seriously.
I realized that the change took a lot of pressure off me, because despite loving planning events and parties and things, I hate being the centre of attention (I'm a choir director...I am in the middle of everything but people look right past me!) Fernando always wanted to have a small wedding but was having a big wedding for me. Planning was now a lot of fun because things that were too expensive if you had to order 150 of, were now very affordable when you only need 15! So I could splurge on fun things like fancy cutlery and funky seating options.
When we made the decision to replan, we were strict in our list and although there were quite a few people who would have most likely been "number 16, 17 or 32, 33" we drew the line and people understood.
Our wedding was fantastic. My family surprised us with a fireworks show at the end of the evening. I grew up in a very close-knit rural community and my dad invited the neighbours in our community to the fireworks show. As we were walking down the gravel road people would roll down their windows and say congratulations, but being dark outside, I couldn't tell who was out there, but it still meant soooooo much to see all these neighbours come out for the fireworks. The weather was absolutely beautiful, and it was so so nice to be with such a close group. The food was delicious, and we could create our own menu with Chew. They were so fantastic to deal with throughout the entire process too!
It was a beautiful day but there are parts I wish I had the other way too.
- I wish Fernando's family was with us. That was the hardest part of the day for me. We Facetimed them throughout the day at various points, but wish we could have them with us in person. That's when Covid sucks the most. The summer before we visited his family in Mexico, and Fer's mom asked "If you get married, can I be invited?” I was shocked and replied "OF COURSE YOU WILL BE THERE. WE WON'T HAVE THIS DAY WITHOUT YOU!" But then Covid changed that.
- I wish I had my choir there. I am one of those girls who has dreamed of the wedding day for years...and years...and years....and years..... I had planned things for a lifetime, one of which was walking down the aisle to a choir (made of my students and the people I sing with on a regular basis) singing the song "The Ground" by Ola Gjielo. Instead, my brother played Harvest Moon on acoustic guitar. It was beautiful. He sounded fantastic. I am glad I am part of such a musical family.
- I knew many people were celebrating with us that day even though they were not there. Some of my closest lifetime friends sent many messages, snapchats, and sweet videos. I wish they were there. Some family members "drove by" the day of and ended up pulling in and having cake with us. I wish they could have spent the entire day with us. But in actuality I realize I probably wouldn't have seen them much during the day anyways. I honestly don't understand how a wedding of 150+ could do it. I felt the day was crazy and I didn't see the 15 people who were there celebrating with us.
I am so glad we still made our wedding feel like a wedding. In reality, we might not have a party later. We know that the border might not open for a while, and who knows if we will still feel like having the big party when the border opens (but let's be real, I will wear my dress again WHENEVER I get the chance). But if we don't get the chance to have the party, I don't feel like my wedding was a "mock wedding" — our wedding felt like a wedding.
Here’s my best advice: Do what works best for you. If you want to go ahead with the wedding, do it! If you want to postpone, do it! Know where you are comfortable with Covid things, and allow that to guide your decisions. Follow the guidelines of the province (or your local authorities), but then make decisions based on your comfort level. People may judge you for having a 50 person wedding, but if you follow Covid guidelines, and everything is allowed that you are doing, enjoy the day!
Some of your guests may not feel safe attending and that is on them, not you. It is not your fault if someone chooses not to attend your special day, and you should not let that burden you. If you are not comfortable in big group settings these days, or work in a high risk environment, then know that everyone will hug you that day and plan accordingly (I loved getting every hug I got that day!). But try not to focus on Covid all day. Be smart and safe, but still enjoy your wedding. Don't let other's Covid intensity drive every decision you make.
One of things I really enjoyed was intentionally planning the day, and making it feel special with little things like the flowers, getting your hair and makeup done. Especially if your day has had to change a lot, you can still make the day very special.
Finally, know that people understand. It is tough to cut the list, but everyone's life has been affected.
Esther Funk Photography ~ Essense of Australia ~ Bliss Bridal Boutique ~ BHLDN ~ RW & Co ~ Stone House Creative ~ The Blushing Blonde ~ Justine Barry Artistry ~ Planned Perfectly ~ C&T Rentals ~ Trend Decor ~ Chew
LOOKING FOR A WEDDING FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGNER IN WINNIPEG?
2021 wedding dates are limited and my 2022 wait list is now started! Flowers are the best way to make a statement at your wedding. Whether you already have a specific vision or want me to dream up something custom just for you, reach out to Stone House Creative for stunning bridal bouquets, truly unique ceremony backdrops, and beautiful floral centrepieces to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding!