3 BIG Ideas: Intimate Weddings During a Global Pandemic
Whether you’ve been planning a big celebration or a smaller gathering with your closest friends and family ... the world has likely turned your plans upside-down and you are feeling overwhelmed. We want you to know that together, we can navigate this unprecedented moment in time. We are here to steady your nerves and remind you that there is no right or wrong way forward, only to do what you feel will honor the love you share. We can help you re-imagine how to create memories to last a lifetime ... now.
Let us take you through 3 BIG ideas that will bring all of the beauty and romance you've dreamed about, in a smaller, more intimate package:
1. Plan a Romantic Elopement:
You can create your own private sanctuary to exchange your vows. Just the two of you, fully present, without a million distractions … focusing on each other and celebrating your bond and your future, breathing in every minute of your day together.
Silver Lining: Your elopement timeline is completely up to you, no set rules. Think of the beauty, the fun, the intimacy … and the epic portraits we can make with more time and space!
"Elopement-in-Place": Your “destination" could be a nearby natural space that will be special to you two, perhaps your backyard, your parent’s backyard, or a favorite outdoor local spot that is off-the-beaten path. We have ideas -- let's put our heads together!
"Adventure Elopement": In a gorgeous space outside the city, surrounded by mountains or trees or a babbling brook ... the entire experience naturally creating memories that will remain in your heart, alongside the vows you exchange. If you’re up for a little bit of a drive, while still keeping it "local," we can take a road trip to a remote location outside the city limits. Think about: Shenandoah National Park or any of the wonderful State Parks in Virginia and Maryland, or perhaps the Eastern Shore.
2. Plan an intimate, outdoor "Mini-Now" Ceremony:
Perhaps with just your parents, maid of honor, and best man present. Whether a backyard affair or in a place that is special to you two, intimate mini wedding ceremonies allow you to fully experience all of the spectacular moments as they occur.
Let us help you plan an amazing day! If you don't have a special outdoor location or venue in mind, we can definitely help! Then, on a future date when the coast is clear, you can bring your family and friends together to celebrate with you in a bigger, safer way -- preferably without the need for masks.
3. Plan to Bridge the Gap:
Perhaps you've decided to completely postpone your wedding, so you will be able to experience all of the emotions and joy on the day you are married together with your loved ones. Yet, we imagine that you might still be anticipating some of those lingering feelings of disappointment or loss, which are inevitable at this time -- and all the more poignant when your original wedding date arrives. May we offer a few suggestions?
Plan an amazing "Wedding Date": Get dressed up, arrange for a private dinner for just the two of you, or prepare a meal together, and let's capture spectacular moments to commemorate the occasion! We can help you organize and orchestrate: from flowers to candles, music and bubbly, even a cake!
Celebrate Your Engagement Day or The Day You First Met: Go back to that special place in time ... remember the tingling and butterflies ... the way he looked into your eyes, the way she made you laugh ... the moment you just knew your mom would love her or your dad would agree that "he's a catch." Let's plan something special to bridge the gap and celebrate your connection in a way that will be meaningful to the two of you. Whether or not you've already scheduled an Engagement Session, let's work in some time for a photo shoot, to capture some special moments!
Plan a Romantic Excursion for just the two of you: a hike or kayaking with a gourmet picnic, a backyard fire with s'mores and a glass of wine or bourbon ... and we'll document it. Let's brainstorm ideas!
Whatever you decide, know that we can offer all the help you need: planning and design, streaming your wedding to friends and family, video recording of your ceremony, and, of course, excellent photography!
We will honor your story, with all of the love that is carrying you forward on this unexpected detour, as you begin your life together. While this time may feel like a supreme test of "for better, for worse," we believe couples will be all the closer and stronger for having gone through this experience together. Whether photos of your wedding day or from a romantic interlude you select to bridge the gap until that day arrives, we know how special these photos will be to you both, as they mark a most unusual time in the history of your life together.
Let's get started!