Welcome to Love in the Time of Corona: The Era of the Intimate Event
If there is one thing to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that love cannot be cancelled. Yes, the virus may have temporarily changed the way we live our daily lives, but it has not fully suppressed humanity’s inherent desire to gather—especially when milestone events are involved. Coronavirus or not, love continues to bloom.
Among the many disruptions of 2020, the pandemic has completely reshaped the events industry, forcing us to unlock creative ways to celebrate responsibly. From these adaptive measures, we witnessed the evolution of the era of the micro-event. Larger gatherings are being replaced with more intimate, personalized celebrations, allowing loved ones to still connect—while staying at least 6 feet apart.
Arguably the most notable micro-events to skyrocket in popularity this past year are micro-weddings, mini-monies and elopements. Proving that bigger isn’t always better, many couples have reimagined their original nuptial plans to host much smaller ceremonies. Furthermore, given the corresponding rise in live streaming, some weddings have gone digital, with Zoom, FaceTime and Instagram Live being the preferred virtual venues for wedding parties around the globe.
Ultimately, these scaled-down celebrations offer an existential ray of hope for those who prefer to not postpone their big day in the wake of the virus. They allow couples to create a beautiful—yet safe—atmosphere for friends and family to enjoy, whether they are physically present or participating online.
Here is what four of our favorite micro-weddings looked like this past year.
STOOP WEDDING
Due to the pandemic, Dennis and Minjoo had to cancel their original plans for a London wedding. So, they decided to elope on their own front porch—a stoop to be in fact—in Park Slope, New York. They invited six of their closest friends to attend in-person, while their parents (and other guests) who couldn’t attend gave toasts via Zoom. Their intimate, virtual-style wedding featured a striking, deconstructed floral arch in bright, rainbow colors.
Location: New York City
Floral Styling and Photography: Leatal Cohen, Pic and Petal
HOMETOWN HAPPILY EVER AFTER
After a slew of postponements due to the pandemic, Rodney and Kimberly’s wedding ceremony was finally held at their local church in Georgia. Only immediate family and close friends were in attendance, but the couple also broadcasted the ceremony virtually for those unable to participate in-person. Their intimate reception, which looked like a scene straight out of Steel Magnolias, was held at the bride’s parents’ house by a picturesque pond.
Location: McRae-Helena
Floral Styling: Holly Smith, Holly Diana Floral | Photography: Two Chicks Photography
SKY-HIGH AFFAIR
For over a year, Kristin and Steve were planning an exquisite, 150-guest wedding at the historic Tappan Hill Mansion in New York's Hudson Valley. While the pandemic prevented their wedding from taking place as initially planned, they were still able to celebrate overlooking the Hudson River—only this time from a romantic reception atop their private residence in New York City.
The 59th Street Bridge served as a stately backdrop to a sunset ceremony, where an intimate reception composed of 24 guests ensued at their Manhattan rooftop. Electing for an authentic "alfresco" dining experience, custom wooden tables were created and positioned beneath quintessential bistro string lights, lush florals, candles of varying heights and custom place settings accented with gold cutlery.
Location: New York City
Floral Styling: Damselfly Designs | Photography: Todd Shapera Photography | Decor & Rentals: Special Event Resources and Party Line Rentals | Caterer: Jason Mayer | Cake: Lynn Palmer Cakes | Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal and Enaura Bridal | Hair & Makeup: Natasha Vallejo and Makeup by Vic
FANTASY FLORALS
Electing for an opulent yet COVID-friendly celebration, Harper and Lawson's September 2020 wedding was held in style at the lavish Chateau Cocomar in Houston, Texas. In a reception fit for a royal, the venue was overflowing with exquisite arrangements bursting in tropical pink, peach and coral tones.
With a smaller guest list, couples can focus on intimacy and elegance without skimming on the elaborate details—starting with the floral decor.
Location: Harris County
Floral Styling: Beth O'Reilly, AIFD | Photography: Clear Sky Images | Venue: Chateau Cocomar | Planning & Design: Heather Benge Events | Host: Styled Shoots Across America | Hair & Makeup: Sunkissed & Made Up | Linens: Nüage Designs | Rentals: Swift + Company | Bridal Salon: Weddings By Debbie | Menswear: The Modern Groom | Stationary: Emery Ann Design
