The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed lives in so many ways, whether that be delaying your special event or thinking outside the box on how to stay safe during this special time with family and friends, event planners can be utilized now more than ever for their insight and creative problem solving. We’ve also asked some seasoned Colorado event photographers to also include some of their best advice during this challenging time.
Smaller weddings
Irma Ali Photography, @irmalovesyou, a professional photographer and videographer based out of Denver and Atlanta who has photographed countless special events around the world suggests making sure your venue has both an outdoor ceremony and reception area that can also be tented if needed in case of rain. She emphasizes the importance of still having fun and not letting COVID-19 ruin your special experience.
Irma also advises to “Take into consideration that some older folks and parents with kids may not or can not attend. Setting up a zoom station or a person designated for video / FaceTime.” Instead of changing your date, she offers another option, “Consider making arrangements for a micro wedding for the same wedding date instead of changing your date. A micro wedding downsizes your wedding count, making it more intimate and usually cheaper. In uncertainty I believe it’s harder to reschedule a date that includes all vendors and to not know when this will be over.”
For final touches, Irma recommends extra custom personal protective equipment items put in place for precaution and safety, “Make sure there are safety precautions put into place for everyone’s sake: extra masks put out for guests, maybe custom ones for you and party, hand sanitizer placed throughout, and signs to indicate social distancing / chairs spaced out during ceremony.”
Micro-wedding and Elopements
Micro-weddings are especially popular during this time. That can mean smaller, more intimate gatherings, fewer guests on the guest list, and more time and effort to focus on what matters most. Elopements are also a popular option during this time. They can be romantic and include some of the details of a larger ceremony, just for the two of you. What could have been out of reach with a larger event can be within reach if you decide to elope. Although travel is limited during this time, many special destinations are within a short driving distance.
Backcountry Vows, @backcountryvows, a professional photographer and videographer couple, Kaylyn and Holden Pierce, based in Telluride, Colorado, also believe less is also more. “Our biggest advice is to think small. Even if current COVID-19 rules allow larger groups it will probably change so the smaller the better. Also staying near their hometown or picking somewhere they can easily drive to where travel restrictions won’t hinder their wedding plans.”
Staying Safe
Face masks can get creative during pandemic time. Many bridal options are available and tables can be placed further away with seating in non-traditional ways with special attention to precautionary cleaning before and after your ceremony and reception. Wedding day end-results can actually turn out to be unique during the pandemic.
The pandemic can definitely be eye-opening and in ways help you better prioritize items you would have perhaps easily overlooked before the pandemic.
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Backcountry Vows, @backcountryvows, Kaylyn and Holden Pierce, are both professional photographers and videographers based out of Colorado who are best known for specializing in capturing adventure elopements. You can check out their remote destination portfolio at backcountryvows.com.
Irma Ali Photography, @irmalovesyou, is a professional photographer and videographer based out of Denver and Atlanta. She specializes in non-traditional photos and video. For booking and her portfolio, she is best reached through her website, www.irmatakesphotos.com/book.