If you’re in love, why let a pandemic stand in your way? When life hands you lemons, simply use them to your advantage — or to make tasty cocktails. I’ll admit, weddings have looked a bit different over the past few months. But I’ve been blown away by the love-inspired creativity I’ve seen. Instead of giving up, couples are finding meaningful ways to tie the knot. From unique micro-weddings, to Vegas-style pop-up weddings, to intimate backyard weddings like this one, I’ve had a blast photographing them all. As a wedding photographer, I’ve always believed in the power of love, and it has been incredible to see it in action during COVID-19.

For example, I had the pleasure of photographing this awesome couple in April, after their originally scheduled big May wedding was postponed indefinitely. Naturally, the couple didn’t want to wait. Without skipping a beat, they happily moved forward with a smaller version of their original wedding vision. They had everything they needed: their nearest and dearest by their side, a special family venue, and fields of Texas bluebonnets as their backdrop. Needless to say, it was such as happy day, and they made the most of every moment.

Making Memories at the Family Lakehouse

Not only did they get their wedding, but this bride and groom still had opportunities for all of the memorable wedding traditions they had been looking forward to. They still took all the beautiful couple’s photos and special family candid moments. I love the ones of the bride’s mom helping her into dress and her first look with bridesmaids and dad. Instead of a couple’s first look, they decided on a first touch. They held hands while reading letters from each other – so beautiful! Guests and wedding vendors had no problem adjusting to safety precautions while celebrating with the couple. At the end, guests took out pre-packaged meals to go from Tiny Boxwoods. What a brilliant idea!

How to Get Married During the Pandemic

Lately, I’ve had many couples asking me how to navigate wedding planning during the pandemic. It’s hard with so many unknowns. However, if you find yourself in the same boat, I’d like to provide some encouragement! You still have plenty of wedding options:

1. Elope with a Destination Wedding

Make your wedding day even more memorable with a spontaneous adventure. Even if you don’t leave the states, you can find a romantic getaway with mesmerizing backdrops right in our own backyard (while social distancing). Book an Airbnb or check out Groupon – lots of good deals right now! To be on the safe side, check restrictions and COVID data before selecting a location. National parks and states with wide-open spaces are great options. For some inspiration, take a peek at some destination weddings and bridal portraits I’ve shot in Joshua Tree State Park, Park City, Utah, and Oregon vineyards. If  it doesn’t feel safe to road trip or hop on a plane, look for destinations within driving distance.

Want to stay in Texas? The Hill Country – such as Dripping Springs – has some gorgeous (and spacious) venues overlooking the hills. If you don’t have access to a gorgeous property like this one, maybe you have a friend who would be happy to accommodate an intimate backyard wedding.

2. Austin Pop-Up Wedding

Y’all — these are so much fun, and I can’t wait until our next round!! Cory Ryan Photography teamed up with a whole crew of incredible Austin wedding partners to host Little White Chapel wedding ceremonies. Bring up to 18 of your nearest and dearest to tie the knot. The newly themed Cosmic Cowboy style package (formerly Las Vegas themed) includes:

• Welcome cocktails
• Dried bouquet & boutonniere
• Personalized processional song
• Elvis officiant
• First dance
• Cake cutting
• Vogue vignette sketch
• 100 professional edited photos
• Live stream
• Professionally decorate space for photos
• Take home meal & cocktail kit
• PLUS upgrade options!

We still have a few spots open for the next event SEPTEMBER 11th-13th, 2020 (but they’re going fast, so be sure to head over to
http://www.littlewhitechapelpopup.com to sign up). Or, email howdy@littlewhitechapelpopup.com.

3. Family Home Wedding

Make even more memories at the place where it all began. Childhood homes or family properties lend themselves to some of the most heartfelt ceremonies. A family home is probably the most warm, welcoming, and meaningful venue you’ll ever find. Plus, there are no limitations on time, setup, design, etc. It’s literally your space, so you can do with it as you please. Family home weddings – like this intimate backyard wedding at the family lake house – provide endless opportunities for photographing sweet, authentic moments. Imagine a bride and her mother putting on the dress in her childhood room. Or the bride and groom playing on his childhood swing. Home makes the most precious backdrop to document the progression of life – embracing the old while stepping out into a new stage together.

4. Intimate Venue Wedding

Were you set on a certain venue? Many venues still allow weddings as long as you keep the guest count low. If you want to keep your date and venue, most guests will understand that you’ll need to limit it to only your nearest and dearest. To include extended family and friends, livestream the ceremony and reception. Or, make it a two-part wedding with the ceremony now and the big party later once it’s safe. This intimate backyard wedding was a great way to maximize the venue while staying safe.

5. Courthouse Wedding

Who says a courthouse wedding can’t be fun? The experience will be both memorable and historic – you got married during the pandemic! You’ll have a story to tell, so don’t forget to hire a photographer. Bring along a pretty bouquet, get dressed up, and EAT CAKE!

6. Virtual Wedding

Some couples are setting up their ceremony at their favorite park or inside their home with just the two of them. Then, they livestream the event for their family and friends. Order in or cook a romantic dinner together with candles and wine to make it extra special. Or, just hop into your comfy clothes and indulge in cake and movie together.

7. Wedding Now, Reception Later

Go ahead and have your small wedding now – it’s ok to postpone the big party until later. Or just do it all with a smaller guest count and all the safety precautions in place for both guests and vendors.

Whatever you end up doing, I hope the experience is just as magical as this intimate backyard wedding. Remember: its impossible to please everyone, so during these crazy times, just do what makes you happy! You deserve to say, “I do!” in a way that fits YOU.