A COVID Wedding Ceremony

There are many things that COVID has taken from us - time at our favorite restaurants, walking out the front door without thinking about masks and hand sanitizer, original wedding plans so many of our couples had dreamed of for months and months, happy hours with co-workers and dance parties with friends. But I think, that if we stay conscious of it, we might just be able to argue that there is so much more COVID has actually given us. An unpopular opinion, I realize, particularly coming from a wedding photographer who’s entire livelihood has rested in the balance of all things #SocialDistancing. But here’s the thing: While the parties and the stunning decor and the dance floors are incredible, what makes a wedding different than any other party is the coming together of two people. And when (because of a global pandemic) all of the extra things have been stripped away, the rawness of our most crucial relationships, the powerful depth of the lifelong commitments each of our couples declare aloud is highlighted all the more. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

Case in point: Erin & Jon’s intimate COVID wedding ceremony at the North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, a place where both of their families have celebrated many momentous occassions and high holidays. A place where, without COVID, they would have never had their wedding ceremony… The peace and happiness that exuded from Erin as soon as she stepped out of the car upon arriving to Beth El would have made you think this was their plan all along. You would have never known these two had planned a completely different type of celebration or had to change dates not once, but twice. All there was to see was sheer happiness and overwhelming emotion at the fact they were officially and publicly declaring their commitment to one another. Set underneath one of the most impressive and personal chuppahs I have ever seen, handcrafted by Jon’s grandmother, Erin & Jon officially became partners for life. And this COVID wedding ceremony has reminded us all - that’s all that really matters.