Many couples planning their weddings have had to deal with the heartbreaking reality and changes brought about by COVID-19. And while it has been so heartbreaking and disappointing for so many, Lizz and Joey are proof positive that we are all in this thing together. 
These two are sweet and fun, with a good bit of wit and sarcasm. And when faced with unprecedented wedding planning challenges, they were the epitome of an amazing team.

The Proposal:
Joey originally planned to propose to Lizz during a trip to New York City. But on a last minute whim he changed his mind. Having asked permission from her father months prior, Joey decided to propose the night before they left for the Big Apple. As he pulled out a ring and said nervously “I think we should get married. Want to get married? We should do it.” Lizz without hesitation of course, said yes! A private at home proposal filled with chit chat, ice cream and two people who mean more to each other than anything. It was perfect.

The Photography: 
Lizz and Joey expressed that photography was an incredibly significant aspect of their day. They wanted bright, clean, and timeless photos, and were drawn to my use of lighting and nature.And being the playful, sweet couple that they are, they also wanted the photography to showcase their personalities and their connection through laughter and natural movement.

A Change of Plans 
Lizz and Joey originally dreamt of a magical day surrounded by 175 of their closest friends and family, eating amazing food, celebrating and creating irreplaceable memories. 
But, like many couples getting married in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, they were faced with the unexpected challenge and difficult choice to either reduce their guest count or postpone their wedding altogether.With guidance and help from their amazing wedding planner, Rebecca Grant at New Creations Wedding Design and Coordination, they chose to downsize and stick with their original wedding date. And with the ever-changing guidelines they were forced to downsize not once, but several times.

With so many variables at play, as their photographer, it was crucial that I remain flexible, helpful, and easy to work with, but at the same time responsible, safe, and legal. Keeping Lizz and Joey, their guests, and my teammates safe, healthy and happy was my top priority.​​​​​​​

• Face Masks: I ensured them that I would wear a face mask at all times during their wedding. 
• Social Distancing: We discussed the ceremony and reception layouts beforehand to make sure I would be able to move around the space and get them the best photos possible. I explained that I would choose lenses that would let me stay further away, as I needed to maintain a minimum of 6′ distance.
• Photography Impacts: I was honest and transparent with them that their wedding photos were going to look different during the pandemic since I would be much more limited with my interactions and up-close details. And because I would need to keep my distance 100% of the time, they wouldn’t be getting the same variety of images they may be used to seeing in my work.

In addition to navigating the changes, policies and their expectations and concerns, it was important that I stay supportive and encouraging for them too. With so much at play – emotions, logistics, ​​​​​​​and even finances – I knew that this all had to be incredibly stressful and I wanted to make sure that they knew that no matter what, I had their backs.

“Our phone calls during a pandemic let us get to know Cameron even more. We were fortunate enough to be able to chat multiple times due to the turbulent times, which was instrumental to acting as a team for figuring out how to make things work with COVID.”- Lizz

The Day Arrives:
Lizz got ready at her parents’ beautiful home overlooking the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay. And from there headed to St. Joseph’s, where with some of their closest friends and family Lizz and Joey were married in a refined and classic ceremony.

Waltzing their way through Volunteer Park as we took couple’s portraits, they embraced the magnitude of the day and the immensity of their happiness. And It was incredible to see it all finally come together for them.

Looking back, Lizz’s advice to any couple planning a wedding is to not stress the small stuff because in the end, even if plans or details have to change, it all turns out perfectly. 
And this was certainly the case with Lizz and Joey’s wedding.
A smaller wedding allowed them to experience everyone and everything about their wedding in a much deeper way. And Lizz says they wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Sometimes fate chooses for us. 
And I’d say in the case of Lizz and Joey, fate chose well.

To Lizz  + Joey –  It was incredible to witness the way in which you two handled the changes thrown at you, with such grace and understanding. While your day wasn’t what you originally planned, it turned out so perfectly, and it was such a joy to celebrate with you and document each amazing moment! 

Please see my Covid-19 Action Plan and Resource Guide for all of the most up-to-date info on governmental guidelines, my policies for weddings and engagement sessions, rescheduling details, and helpful resources.

Vendors:
Planning/Coordination: New Creations Wedding Design and Coordination
Hair and Makeup: OffWhite Makeup and Beauty
Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.
Videography: Peak Digital Cinema
Venue: St. Joseph Parish Seattle