What to do when your wedding is affected by COVID-19

First of all - none of us could have predicted the level that this pandemic has affected everyone’s lives. We are all figuring this out month by month and sometimes day by day. It is crazy how much changed that week in March. We all are navigating through new territory here. And I definitely don’t have all the answers - but I play a role in the team that is going to make this wedding day possible and still be the wedding of your dreams. Here are some questions you might be asking yourself.

Should I reschedule?

This may be a hard YES if your wedding is in May, June or even July and you are planning on a “larger gathering.” Moving forward may not be possible but if it’s your call - that is a lot of pressure to be asking of vendors and loved ones who may be more vulnerable or needing to be in contact with someone who is more vulnerable. There is still so much we don’t know about this virus. And everyone will completely understand if you lean towards the side of caution. I have had a couples reschedule whose weddings were in August and September. It might be fine to have a small wedding this August - but it gives them more peace knowing they wont be asking people to travel or have to reschedule weeks prior and then the vendors have limited dates because 2021 is filling up fast. The first thing you should do when contemplating rescheduling is CONTACT YOUR VENDORS. We are all in this together and as a team we can hopefully find the perfect new wedding date for you.

Is there an alternative?

Talk to your photographer! If you live in Colorado you can marry yourselves. Eloping and making things official on your original wedding date is a great way to make that day special still. If in a month or so it’s okay for your photographer to come shoot an elopement for you guys you could get some amazing photos and have the big celebration down the road. Or it might be possible in a month or two to have an intimate wedding. Instead of inviting 250 people maybe you just invite 25 for now and on your one year anniversary celebrate big time! Or maybe you want to just do an adventure session around the time of your initial wedding date.

How do we let people know?

No one will be surprised that you need to change your wedding date. In fact I think more people will be surprised if you haven’t changed your wedding date. The first people to notify are your vendors so you can make sure everyone is aware that you are looking at new dates. Once you choose a new date - you can let the world know. And maybe you are getting married on a Friday now in the middle of November. Or August of next year. You could send out new save the dates saying - 8/20/21 is the new 6/13/20. Or Love is not cancelled (but our wedding celebration on 6/13/20 is). Or a save the date with the initial date crossed out and write in the new date. Again, we are all in this together.

Contracts and Payments?

Some of us are getting along just fine financially. And some of us are struggling to get by. If you live in Denver you know the $1200 stimulus check MAY cover your rent for a month! I have talked to some of my couples and let them know that this pandemic is an exception to everything. There is no fee for changing your wedding date. There is no rush to make the decision. I understand scheduling a few months later than your original date you could be taking the risk of there still be limitations on gatherings. If you have hired myself as your photographer - know that there are NO RESCHEDULING FEES. As long as I am available for your new date - I will amend the contract for your new wedding date. If you decide to elope instead - the retainer fee will go towards the payment for the elopement session of minimum four hours of coverage. If you decide to cancel, please refer to our contract to view terms and conditions. Unfortunately, the retainer fee is non-refundable. This is why it’s so important that we work together to find a new date that would work for all of us even if the future is unforeseeable. Bottom line: The retainer fee (as per the contract) can be used towards your future wedding or elopement.

l have asked people if it’s possible for them to pay half of the remaining balance by their original wedding date that would be so helpful for me financially. Not in the contract. Just treating it as humanly as possible. Contracts are there for a reason - but I hope that I can consider most of my couples friends. Who care about each other and want the best for one another. This is not legal advice - this is just my feelings and thoughts through out all of this.

My heart truly goes out to all the couples who have been squealing over this day for months and months. You will be celebrated. Your wedding will not be forgotten. Your story is still being written. How you show up for each other today and in this time is so telling to how you will show up down the road. It’s ok to grieve this. You don’t have to shrink down because other people have worse things going on. But, and/also - don’t miss out. Don’t let this hijack your year. Be present to more down time together. More walks with the dog. More drinks on the porch. This is still your love story.