My husband and I tied the knot in the most 2020 fashion with a virtual micro wedding. After COVID-19 foiled our plans for a 200 person wedding, we went with our Plan B. Our minimony turned out to be the most magical day we could have ever hoped for!
Whether you are planning a similar event, and are looking to glean some tips, or you are on the fence about a virtual micro wedding or minimony, I hope that sharing our experience will be helpful and show that it’s possible to have a special day with a smaller crowd!
Navigating Uncertainty in 2020
I feel for all the couples out there who are planning their wedding while navigating the uncertainty about the future of large events. We decided early on that we would get married on our selected date no matter what, but there was a period of time we weren’t sure what the day would look like. During that time, we mailed a postcard to guests asking for email addresses, knowing we would be able to communicate via email in a more timely and cost effective manner.
Amy Connolly Design took our engagement photos for the save the date at my family’s house – also our wedding location, though we didn’t realize that at the time! Nicole Pimental Design created our save the date pictured above, and an invitation for our Plan A wedding… the invite never went to print, but I loved the design.
Socially Safe Precautions
Traditional wedding planning etiquette went out the window for our virtual micro wedding, namely because our plans solidified with only one month to go. Given the times, we asked our guests to be vigilant in the two weeks leading up to the wedding and encouraged people to stay home if they had symptoms. We limited time indoors and assigned seating at the ceremony based on pods. Guests could choose where to sit at the reception based on their comfort level. We are so grateful that everyone stayed safe and healthy.
Coordinating a Virtual Zoom Wedding
I never thought in a million years I would have a Zoom wedding, but I’m so glad we did. Our top priority was safety so we limited our in-person guests to immediate family and bridal party. The fact that our loved ones could bear witness to our special day from miles away meant so much to us.
Using share screen, we played a slide show on loop while guest waited for the ceremony to begin. This helped make the virtual experience more engaging for participants. The slideshow had fun facts about our relationship, our love story, and photos.
During the ceremony, we had two Zoom camera angles; one to view the processional, and one to view the ceremony. My day of event coordinators spotlighted each camera angle so guests on Zoom could experience all aspects of the event.
At the end of the ceremony, we spent a few minutes on Zoom saying hi to everyone who tuned in virtually. My favorite part about the Zoom wedding was the fact we could watch the recording the day after our wedding!
All the Details A-Z
I’m lucky to work with so many amazing people in the events industry and I was so excited to hire them for our wedding. Restrictions were constantly changing, as were our wedding plans…the people we worked with were so understanding and flexible…10/10 recommend!
If I could give one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding, I recommend hiring a day-of event coordinator. Our friends Callie Barrett and Stephanie Martin (who also happen to be amazing event planners) made the day run seamlessly!
My wedding dress is from VOWS and my veil was created by Alterations by Anahit.
Bella Beauty Bridal did my hair and makeup, and I love them for it because my hair stayed put in hot humid weather!
John got a custom tux from Men’s Wearhouse with our wedding date embroidered in the interior – such a sweet memento.
Rachael (Farrissey Floral Design) did such a beautiful job on the floral arrangements and my bridal bouquet!
These photos speak for themselves, but I just have to thank Katie Noble again for doing such a wonderful job capturing the magic of the day and making the process so easy for us!
Simple white rentals by RI Rentals.
Due to COVID-19 we opted out of a sit down dinner and ordered heavy passed hors d’oeuvres with Blackstone Catering. Late night we ordered pizza (our favorite food group).
SpeechLess Music played during our ceremony and cocktail reception. This is the pop string trio who created custom arrangements for the processional and our first dance. It made the songs that much more special!
This deliciious Sugar Mama’s cake featured flowers from Farrissey Floral Design.
In my father’s speech he said my wedding event plan rivaled NASA. Thanks Dad!! Streamlined Organizing takes pride in the details.
The top wedding advice I received was to hire a videographer. I’m so glad we did and Thomas Alan Productions did a fantastic job capturing the day!
Looking back, our 2020 wedding didn’t go as planned, but it allowed us to focus on each other and enjoy our special day with an intimate crowd.
Are you planning a wedding in 2021 or 2022? Do you have questions about our wedding day? Please leave a comment below!