Our love is stronger than Corona.
Our COVID-wedding story
What it was like to plan around COVID-19
When lockdown in California was first put in place mid-March, we were still hopeful as the wedding we've been planning for 2 years was still weeks away. We kept praying for things to get better, for the world to be healed. However, when things only worsened in April, we knew we had to make the decision to postpone. Even if restrictions for big gatherings were miraculously lifted, we could not shake off the chances of compromising our families' and friends's health.
Upon initially postponing the wedding we had no clue whether or not we would still be able to get married in June. When lockdown was in place, all county offices were closed to the public. We had no way of attaining a marriage license. We then thought, maybe given the circumstances of the pandemic, we would be able to get married and file it later---but that idea was soon shut down, as it is illegal to marry without a license. We kept constant watch of the San Diego County website. Early May, we noticed that they were issuing marriage license and other wedding related services via appointment. We were quick to contact them, and was able to get an appointment TWO WEEKS before the wedding. Even though we had the appointment scheduled, we were not confident that the wedding would go through until we had the wedding license in our hands. We are very thankful that San Diego County created a make-shift wedding hut for people who desired to get married despite the pandemic.
With the marriage license in sight, we started to worry about our wedding attire. Both our wedding garments were still in the store. Danica's wedding gown was in the middle of being altered. Mark's custom suit was still being shipped into the store and when it arrives he would still have to get it fitted in store upon pick up, which was not possible since all non-essential stores are closed. Danica managed to find a white dress online, while Mark decided to wear a suit he already owned. The wedding we've been planning for two years, just kept slipping away. But we tried to remain positive through it, and make it work.
Initially our parish just allowed 10 individuals to be inside the church, this included both of us, the priest, Mark's parents, Danica's parents, a camera men, and 2 videographers. Everyone, including our sisters would have to watch the stream. We were the first Corona-Wedding the parish had, they tried to figure everything out with us as the pandemic progressed-- communication with the parish was not easy. We kept them updated from the beginning, including our lack of marriage license. But once we were able to get the appointment, things were slightly easier to plan with the church.
A week before our wedding, things started to look up and fall into place. California was going to loosen up some restrictions and begin "re-opening" California a week or so after our wedding, which included resuming indoor masses. Since our wedding was at the cusp of reopening, the parish allowed us to have 20 total guests in the church, so we were able to add our sisters, Mark's brother in law and nephew, Danica's grandparents, a Maid of Honor, a Best Man, and a couple other guests. We were thrilled to have more guests!