Joanna + John: A Quarantine Zoom Wedding Story

2020. What a year so far and while there’s plenty we could all collectively complain about… there are still happy moments to celebrate.

When the stay at home orders were first initiated over two months ago, the first thing I did was to reach out to all of my spring wedding couples easing their worries that I would do my very best to be as flexible as possible with the changing wedding plans.

One of the first weddings I had planned for the year was for Friday, May 8, 2020. Joanna + John told me they were planning to reschedule their wedding to September. I marked the new date in my planner and assured them I would be there for the new date.

Fast forward to May 5th: Joanna texts me with “Hey! Hope you are staying safe and well! This is totally crazy but…” and told me that they applied for the marriage license in Delaware (they had originally planned to get married in Pennsylvania) and John’s Mom-Mom got her officiant license and they were planning to do a very small wedding in his Mom-Mom’s backyard on Mother’s Day. Before Joanna could even text me all of the details I excitedly texted back OMG. YES. I WILL BE THERE!

I first met Joanna + John when I photographed Joanna’s senior photos at University of Delaware three years ago. Since then we’ve kept in touch and I photographed Joanna + John’s engagement photos last spring at Brandywine Park with their two dogs. I’m always incredibly grateful for clients that turn into friends and even more grateful when I’m able to photograph all of their special moments in life.

Fast forward to this past weekend and the new wedding date is now May 10, 2020. The weather couldn’t be anymore perfect - blue skies and mild temperatures with a breeze. Close family gathered around in the backyard to watch Joanna + John get married. Since gatherings of 10 or more people are not allowed, that meant family and friends originally planning to attend the wedding in person had to log onto Zoom to watch Joanna + John join their hands in marriage. The ceremony was sweet and emotional. I even teared up a little behind my mask (yeah, never thought I would be photographing a wedding with a mask on, but safety first!)

Thank you to Joanna + John again for asking me to be a part of a very special afternoon. And now here are some photos from the day!

If you’re planning your very own quarantine wedding and are looking for a photographer, please email me at bmathiasphoto@gmail.com for my hourly rates and availability.