Micro Wedding in Columbus, Ohio

Terra + Michael

Terra and Michael are proof that love is never cancelled! Navigating your wedding plans in the middle of a pandemic is overwhelming to say the least, but these two amazed me with their grace and willingness to roll with the flow and adapt their plans and vision for their wedding day to assure the safety of their loved ones. Weddings in 2020 are bound to look different, but Terra and Michael are such a wonderful example that they don’t have to be any less meaningful and love-filled. I foresee a lot more micro weddings taking place and although it may not be in keeping with couples’ original plans I am a firm believer that small, intimate weddings are truly just as special. Prioritizing your loved ones safety during this time is so important and I was so honored to be included in the celebration of their marriage.

Terra got into her wedding dress with her mom by her side and opted to do a first look with her dad, which was one of my favorite moments of the day. Terra and Michael had a beautiful ceremony in front of a willow tree outside of a family friends home. I loved watching Michael’s face as he saw Terra for the first time while he tried to hold in his tears. Terra and Michael just radiated joy and their excitement was palpable as they exchanged their vows.

Although their extended family and closest friends couldn’t attend in person they were there to watch the entire ceremony via Zoom with a front row seat. Following the ceremony we took so many gorgeous portraits of the newlyweds! They were just giddy with excitement that they were officially married and were so much fun to photograph!

Because this is such an unprecedented time in wedding planning I asked Terra and Michael if they could answer a few questions to offer insight into their decision making process as well as their perspective on how the day went. I hope 2020 couples find this information helpful as they make changes to their own wedding day plans to assure the safety of their loved ones.

What was your first reaction when you realized COVID-19 was going to impact your wedding?

I avoided it for as long as possible. But once reality had finally caught up with me I was crushed. I was angry that this virus had to come in right when I had planned the wedding of my dreams and now we had no clue what to do! We had already planned a small wedding of around 120 people in a backyard with the ceremony being 100% outside so I was convinced that we could still have it. I quickly realized we couldn't because all of my out of town family and friends would not be able to travel and join us. I have elderly grandparents in their 80s that are at a super high risk as well as other guest in that high risk category and I was not willing to be selfish to put them in danger.

Can you give me a little insight into your decision making process?

Our decision making process took us about 3-4 days. Mike and I had a house together but were not living together so that played a huge part in our decision process because we were more than ready to live together! The second biggest factor was in general we were just ready to be married, we didn't want to wait any longer than possible! The final factor, which was a huge part, was the fact that our original wedding was supposed to be on May 23rd which to be honest had no significance— it was just what worked for our out of town family to be able to come. Mike and I when planning our wedding from the beginning had looked at May 11th because that was our dating anniversary, but May 11th was a Monday and all the nieces and nephews were still in school so that would not have been possible for family. So, when COVID-19 decided to ruin our plans we decided to go with our original hope of getting married on a more meaningful date to us.

How did you decide that you wanted to move forward with an intimate wedding rather than postpone the wedding all together?

We decided to move forward with the intimate wedding because we were able to get married on the date we wanted and we were just ready to be married! And the other reality had hit us— the big celebration, tables, chairs, decorations, etc. is not what the wedding is about. The wedding was about Mike and I becoming one and being Mr. and Mrs. Dean!

What is your advice to other couples who were planning to get married during this time, but their plans were disrupted by COVID-19?

My advice is to look at the bigger picture! It is hard and do not expect yourself to see the bigger picture the day you start to change your plans! But look and see what truly matters. Being married to the love of your life is what truly matters! And it is okay to cry and have your break down, but I promise I do not regret my decision. Walking down that aisle and seeing the love of my life standing there with tears welling up in his eyes, I still got that- just without all the decorations.

What precautions were taken to make sure your ceremony was safe for everyone in attendance?

The biggest precaution taken was the number of people that were there. Everyone kept a safe distance away from each other and we got married outside instead of in an enclosed building. We had a zoom call so all our family and close friends could still be present and watch us get married!

Are you ultimately happy with your decision?

I am more than happy with my decision! No, it was nowhere near what I had originally imagined it, but I don't think I could have ever imagined a more perfect day than May 11th!

What are you most thankful for with how things turned out?

Honestly, I was most thankful for being able to wear my wedding dress and still getting all of my pictures that I had imagined! The pictures were everything to me because though the day didn't go as planned I still wanted those pictures to look back on all the memories and special moments of the day!

What are some positive things or silver linings of the celebration?

Positive things are I am a married woman ;) Our family was still able to see us get married even if it was through a zoom call!

What are you plans for a future celebration with your extended family and friends?

We would love to have a celebration type party with everyone but we are also waiting to see how COVID-19 decides to act over the next few months!