This wasn’t what we planned for on this date, but we made lemonade out of lemons. We’re still going to have our planned ceremony and reception on a later date.

We had to follow strict guidelines to get our license. Gloves and masks at all times. We hammed it up and had a blast.

After much scenario planning, we pulled it off and got married on our original date. We had our parents and siblings join us in our church along with about 80 friends and family around the world via Facebook. A few photos around town and then we had the best drive-through reception a girl could hope for. One of my husband’s cousins get out of his car and serenaded us on an antique trombone, another set of cousins threw rice from their cars, and we had a dance party from the back of a Jeep. Ended the night with carry out Italian and a Zoom nightcap with family from Indiana who couldn’t make it.

Considering all this going on in the world we decided to have a little fun with some of the pictures.

Once my family heard the news, the whole event was put together within 24 hours.

Last Saturday we made it official! We were originally supposed to get married on March, 28th with all of our family and friends flying in from all over the country. This wasn’t what we planned for, but I can honestly say it couldn’t have been more beautiful for what we are all going through. We made a little ceremony in our backyard and FaceTimed/Zoom/Facebook live recorded the event for everyone to see! Even though we missed our parents, family, and friends we knew they were still “there”. We were able to include so many more people than we originally planned for. This moment made our love story even more special.

I’m a wedding photographer, so in a time where I’m not working, and not sure when I’ll be working again, I was happy to document the day.

We tied the knot yesterday, april 18th at my parents’ house with my sister officiating and we couldn’t be happier.

All decor are items from our home that represent family.

A marriage is about love and commitment while a wedding is about celebrating that love and we will do just that when it’s safe.
We decided we wanted to get married so we did. We had a first look on our roof, got married with our families watching over zoom and had a photographer to shoot us while we kissed, ate cake and danced with champagne in the streets of Brooklyn.
We did not want this day marked with sadness and it was anything but. If you’re debating eloping and having a party later do it. We really didn’t want this day marked forever as what could have been and I am so grateful to for what it became- joyous. I think embracing that it’s kinda a mess and life and that’s what made it beautiful.
We decided that a marriage and a wedding are different things. A marriage is about the commitment and love and a wedding is about celebrating that love and so we are equally excited about both but we’re so happy to have a day just about our love and when we do have a wedding it will be focused on everyone else in a beautiful way too.
My brother officiated and said these beautiful words- wanted to share below:
Most know that the Jewish wedding ring is traditionally simple in design, pure in its material yet beautiful for what it is. Why though? There are a number of reasons Jewish scholars give for this. Some say an ornate ring might send the wrong message about payment and a dowry, which the ring is not. A fancy ring might imply that one person is indebted to the other. The ring is the equivalent to the dollar you might pay a family friend to be your legal representation, it says, we have entered into a contract. Others say by making the ring simple, it makes it possible for anyone, even someone with little means to marry. Still, it’s to be simple, pure and beautiful. 
Either way these rings that R and M put on each other’s finger today symbolize their devotion to each other. A devotion that we can hope, will be simple, pure and beautiful.
I believe this marriage is already starting on that note. Choosing to go forward with a greatly simplified wedding day means you both understand and embrace that. This day does not have the adornments you had hoped and planned for, but it is pure in its intentions. This is what makes today beautiful. You didn't get to choose the conditions of your wedding day but you are so assured in your love for each other that you are moving forward, together. This is the kind of decision that will make your marriage strong. That will make your partnership pure and will keep your love beautiful. 
With this ring, I commit to you fully and pledge to enter into a partnership filled with affection, kindness, and love.