Planning a wedding is a major life event for couples, it requires many months even years of planning for the big day. There are so many elements that must come together from the venue, flowers, photographer and of course the dress. Not to mention guests that often come from all corners of the globe.

Toni & Marcus wedding was no exception to meticulous planning and a much anticipated day. Everything was going to plan and the couple was so looking forward to their wedding day and having all of their family and friends together to celebrate.

Then the coronavirus worldwide pandemic hit, Australia and the world was changing on a daily basis.

Tonis wedding was planned for March 21st 2020 , right in the middle of the pandemic & with restrictions updated daily how the couple worked through their options will be a story to tell the grandkids.

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With the groom, Marcus, being American, we had about 15 overseas guests planning to travel here for the wedding. 5 groomsmen, his parents, brother, cousin, auntie and some other friends.

The wedding was planned for Saturday 21st March. The week prior things started to get really stressful with coronavirus getting more and more serious. His parents were contemplating not even coming as they weren’t sure if they were going to be stuck here.

This news alone was the beginning of all the chaos. Thankfully they made the decision to still come, along with 3 of his groomsmen. Sunday, the week of the wedding, we were expecting the rest of his guests to be on their way here, but unfortunately they got stuck at the airport with a big decision to make.

They were advised strongly not to travel as they may not be able to return home as a lot of airlines were stopping international flights. It was devastating to hear this.

Also one of the groomsmen that didn’t make it was the DJ for the wedding! So that was another disappointment in itself, an iPod was going to have to do. Then his guests, who were already here were looking at leaving early also, due to all the uncertainties.

The news that not only his family and groomsmen didn’t make it, but the potential that his parents would have to leave before our wedding was the worst feeling ever!

I barely got any sleep on Sunday night.

Monday morning our celebrant, Stephen Lee, called us to check in on how we’re feeling and what we wanted to do. I was feeling hopeless.

He suggested we do the ceremony at our home the following day! I was so relieved to have that as an option, so we scrambled everything together last minute, had just an intimate ceremony at our house that Tuesday with family, a couple of close friends and the bridal party.

It was sooooo romantic and felt like a movie! I wanted to save my gown for Saturday, however I wore my shoes and jewellery. I did my own hair and makeup, and bought a long white skirt and top.

The rest of the week, however still stressful having to cancel our honeymoon to Bali, with constant talk of coronavirus and daily updates on social restrictions from the government, at the same time we felt at ease knowing whatever happens Saturday, we’re already legally married!

So luckily, Saturday still went ahead just as planned.

Ceremony & Reception held at Gunners Barracks Sydney

Our wedding was held at Gunners Barracks Mosman. The day of the wedding the government announced the 1.5 meter rule.

So the venue arranged the seating to meet these standards. Also, events were now restricted to 100 people or less.

Our original guest list was 110, but we lost about 40 guests due to coronavirus. Most of our guests made their decisions to cancel the day before and the day of the wedding, so that was pretty hard to deal with. A lot of close relatives, close friends etc. I had to of course respect their decisions and concerns, although it was still very painful to accept.

Beautiful table setting featuring red roses

I had been through enough stress and heart ache I had to be strong and just get through this day and enjoy every moment we’ve been planning for, for over a year. Hair and makeup, venue, florist, styling, photographers, celebrant, were all so amazing to work with and really put my mind at ease throughout the whole process.

It was so nice to still have the moment of walking down the aisle and surprising my husband with the dress! I honestly felt like such a princess and boy did I feel like I deserved to still have that feeling!!

The dress had been the most anticipated aspect of the wedding and I was so glad that I still kept that a surprise from him!

The look on his face was priceless, a huge smile! I didn’t think I was going to cry because I was so numb to everything at that point, but I burst into tears. It was more of a relief that we finally got here!!!

The wedding was absolutely flawless from that point onwards. All the guests had a great time and danced the night away :)

That Monday the government announce that weddings will now be restricted to 5 people or less. We were so lucky we got in just in time! The silver lining throughout this process was this honestly made us so much stronger. We’re newly weds and already have gone through such a testing time! But the love, compassion and support we showed to each other throughout this process was beautiful.

If I could give any advice to other brides that are going through the same ordeal, I would say that you have to remember why you’re getting married to begin with. It’s all really just about your love for each other and no matter how big or small or when it will take place, you can get through absolutely anything with patience, love and support!

Thank you so much for the wedding gown it was absolutely stunning! I felt so amazing in it! The wedding week was the best/most stressful week of my life!!