Our Wedding Amongst a Pandemic // Part One

Welp, here we are. The world around us is on fire and yet, Zach and I managed to still get married, still say our vows and still celebrate with people we love. As you can imagine, our wedding evolved into many different things since we began to plan it last year, but the one thing I wanted to make certain was that we kept the intimate, romantic vibe no matter what. Please note, we all got tested for COVID right before the wedding so we would feel comfortable and safe being around each other.

May 30th was supposed to be our original wedding day, set to be in Joshua Tree, but to be honest, I never really felt very connected to that date. We just wanted to have a spring wedding and that date was available. But, as fate would have it, COVID took over our lives so before it was even cool, in March we pushed our wedding out to September 2020. Zach and I felt such relief knowing that we would for sure be able to get married this year so I emailed our guests and let them know we would all have to wait another five months to get crazy on the dance floor. THEN, the reality hit us even harder (despite the denial in the world). Things were getting worse and worse we realized a gathering of people the way we wanted was just not going to happen. So, we pushed it out again to September 2021, called all the vendors (again), reallocated funds (again) and basically planned our wedding (again) for the following year. Just like before, I wrote an email to our guests letting them know we would have to wait until next year. I pressed send, walked downstairs and cried on Zach’s shoulder.

Suffice to say, the cycle of feeling excited and then having to cancel the plan and start over was exhausting. I seriously did not see the point anymore. I was burned out and after many disappointments, money spent and feeling let down, I was so over it.

But, we moved on with life, allowed ourselves to grieve the loss and tried to stay sane amongst all the things going on in the world. Then before we knew it, May 30th came. When I woke up that day I thought I was fine. It felt like just another day in quarantine, but as the clock struck 10am I suddenly broke down in tears. It was like my body had to release the sadness it had so obviously been holding onto. I cried all day and tried to stay busy around the house. Zach insisted we have a fancy night at home (he is the gift that keeps on giving) so we got dressed up, made an amazing dinner and drank martinis. We talked about all the positive things going on in our life despite the challenges we were facing and brainstormed creative ways in which we could still get married this year. We entertained the idea of going somewhere in Eastern Washington and getting married on a cliff somewhere (very PNW, very pretty, not us at all). Ain’t nobody got time to hike in a wedding dress. Ladies who have done this, I salute you and I have so many questions for you.

Soon after, while facetiming with my best friend (Kim I love you!) she told me about someone in New York who got married on her stoop and that’s when it hit me. We could get married in front of our house. The house we bought together not even a year ago. The place that Zach and I have made a home, brought home our Luna-Potato and have lived so much life in for the past nine months. When discussing a date for our little courtyard wedding, we chose June 21st, the anniversary of the day we first met. THAT felt right. I mean, two years to the day of our first date we would be getting married? It still blows my mind and reminds me that all the bad dates, the heart breaks, the exhaustion of putting myself out there, was worth it. Dating, you were fun, but you were also the worst and I don’t miss you lol. Buh-bye.

So, a wedding was really going to happen. Nothing could stop us from stepping right outside our door and saying our vows to each other. Here was my vision on how I saw the day going. I wanted to walk down the narrow courtyard in front of our door (the aisle), say our vows in front of a beautiful spring inspired arch and have a dance party in the street or somewhere open and spacious where we could all feel comfortable. I wanted to keep the guest list as small and safe as possible, for obvious reasons (12 friends total). I also wanted to be able to see my family/friends in California up close and personal as I walked down the aisle so I assigned facetime buddies to our friends attending in Seattle (it worked out perfectly!). I got to work on calling in favors from all my friends here in Seattle to help us make this a reality and oh my God did it really come true. I also wrote our neighbors personal hand written cards letting them know what was going to happen and also invited them to watch from their windows if they wanted to be a part of it and they did! They even left us bottles of champagne, toys for Luna and cards congratulating us. I feel like we all got married that day. I don’t even know how I will ever be able to thank everyone properly. How do you thank them for stepping in as photographer, florist, dj, caterer, officiant, zoom manager, hair stylist, makeup artist, the list goes on. I mean, WHAT IN THE WORLD?? I have no words. Just kidding, yes I do. Here I go (in no particular order)!

Photographer // Chelsea freaking Abril. I just can’t. I called her one morning and asked if she wouldn’t mind taking a few pictures that day. If we could just get some portraits of Zach and me I would be ecstatic. She said she would be happy to so that was that. The morning of our wedding she showed up in full getup and proceeded to shoot details in my bedroom and me getting ready. Surely she was just wanting to take a few pics of this and then move on to drinking champagne. No. She proceeded to shoot THE WHOLE DAMN WEDDING. I was so distracted by everything going on I didn’t have a minute to process what she was doing. These images are just the PREVIEW so all I have to say is that she NAILED IT. I burst into tears when I saw them because…duh and I don’t even know what I’m going to do when I see the whole gallery. She was one of the first friends I met here in Seattle and I often wonder how I ever lived before her. She gets me, celebrates me and I mean ALL of me and basically we can never be parted. Ever. Chelsea, I will spend the rest of my days thanking you, kissing your feet and praising you like you deserve because you are truly a treasure to this earth.

Videography // Alayna Erhart. Also known as, one of my safe places in life. One look from her and I am calm, seen and heard. What a gift. I was the second shooter at her wedding so it is FULL circle that she shot my wedding just a couple of years later. We often talk about artistry, perspective, what’s needed in the industry and the fact that all of those thoughts and feelings went into documenting our day means more to me than anything. I felt so taken care of knowing she was right by my side, capturing every little important moment and celebrating us along the way. She is truly a gift and I am honored to call her my friend. It’s to the point now that I cannot make decisions without her consent, haha. I’m perfectly ok with that and so is she.

Florals // Angelene Little. Ohhhhh Angelene. Or how I like to call her, Awngahlawn. I always knew she was talented, but my God, she completely outdid herself this time. When I walked outside and saw the incredible arch (of my dreams) she made I was SHOCKED. It was exactly how I wanted it. Lush, full of color and spring vibes. I was supposed to go hide around the corner to prepare to walk down the aisle, but I just stood there in awe. My girls were like, “Liz hurry!” and I was like, “oh, right haha here I go…” It was truly one of my favorite moments. I owe so much to Anglene not only creating the most spectacular arch, but for running so many logistics that day. She made sure Zach had his boutonniere, Talitha (my officiant) had her corsage, she communicated with Kim (aka zoom manager) to make sure things ran smoothly, she handled Luna-Potato during the ceremony, she made bouquets for all my neighbors after the ceremony as a classy touch, the list goes on. I mean, WHO IS THIS WOMAN? I can’t. I’m not worthy. No one is worthy. Anglene, you can never leave me and I will worship you until the day we die.

DJ // Alex Aguirre. You know how in each group of friends there is someone who just knows all the songs, all the music, all the playlists and always knows how to get the party started? That’s Alex. I knew I needed someone to run the processional, first dance and dance party and I didn’t think twice about who that would be. She made a 4 hour playlist that included Lizzo, latin fusion vibes, Robyn (my favorite), hip hop jams and all the sing-a-long bangers. It was the freaking best. Her energy and excitement for me all day kept me going too. The minute she walked into my bedroom she was squealing with joy and laughter and I was immediately relaxed. She makes me feel that way often and I’m so grateful for her. She introduced me to all my friends here in Seattle and I never forget that a huge reason I have such an amazing circle of people around me is because of her. Alex, you are my sister and a part of me forever.

Officiant // Talitha Bullock. I call her Mother Talitha. She is the most caring, gentle, loving, wise soul there ever was. We used to live in the same building together, not too long ago, which is where our friendship blossomed and became closer than ever. She was my first friend to meet Zach and get to know our relationship first hand right away. Even before I met Zach I always knew I wanted a close friend to be the officiant at my wedding. It never felt right to have a religious official who I didn’t know marry us and send us on our way with their wisdom. I wanted someone who had had a front row seat to the journey I was on with my partner. Someone who knew our struggles, our love, our wins and loses. So, when it came time to choose our officiant, the answer was so clear to me. She did SUCH an amazing job officiating and even sang us an original song right after we said our vows. I - CANNOT. Talitha, you are the calm after the storm. You never cease to amaze me with your talent, your open arms and kindness. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I have you and you have me forever.

Makeup // Kendra Springer. In planning this little courtyard wedding in the midst of a pandemic, I knew I was going to have to do my own makeup. I’m pretty good at doing it myself, but in no way am I a professional. How do makeup artists make it last all day? How do they put on eyelashes so well? They’re freaking geniuses and that’s exactly what Kendra is. A makeup genius. I text her one day to ask her for some tips on how I could get my makeup to stay all day and she responded with, “when are you getting married?” I responded, June 21st and she said, “I’d totally do your makeup if you want!” And then…I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe her generosity and her willingness to be there for me. She showed up that day with a mask, gloves and basically all the things so she could safely apply my makeup and make me look exactly the way I wanted to look. I was prepared to make the most of what I had and could do, but Kendra truly helped make my vision come to life and I will be FOREVER grateful. A true gem of a human and I love her.

Hair // Natalia Dos Santos. The goddess of all goddesses. I was also prepared to do my own hair and I even asked her if we could do a tutorial via facetime so she could show me what to do the day-of. She was like….”Liz, please, I’m going to do it,” and then I took a deep breath and let the love wash all over me in bewilderment. I wanted a low, messy side bun and man did she DELIVER the most romantic, beautiful job I ever did see. I felt like Jlo and Shakira all at once. She also gave Zach a haircut and made him look like the sexy german gentleman he truly is. I almost died when I saw him as I walked down the aisle. I hope she stays our glam squad forever and ever because who are we if we don’t have her? We are sad, lonely cave people, that’s who. Natalia, thank you for your support, your pep talks, your perfection and your talent. We will always remember the way you made us feel that day.

Zoom Manager // Kim Weisberg. Or as I like to call her, wife. She is my sounding board, my hype girl, my best friend. We’ve known each other for over a decade and she knows me inside and out. When planning the tech part of the wedding and realizing our families wouldn’t be able to attend, Zoom was the obvious answer. I was overwhelmed by all the tech things I was going to have to think about come the wedding day so Kim volunteered to manage things from her LA apartment. The second she said that a weight was lifted. I knew she was the perfect person for the job and that everything was going to run smoothly. She’s a big time television producer so I mean, who else could do this better than her? No one. She handled all the questions and confusion from our friends and families back in New York and California with so much grace and humor. When I was getting ready that morning I facetimed her so she could be a part of the process just like we had always imagined. It was so freaking special. She’s the absolute best and I would be lost without her. Kim, our marriage was my first marriage and will forever be an intricate part of my life. Thank you for being my support system and for loving Zach just as much as I do lol.

Catering // Boat Street Kitchen. Hands down, one of the best decisions we could have ever made to make our day feel extra personal. Head chef, Jenn Skokglund is such a beautiful human being and was originally supposed to do the catering for us in Joshua Tree. When things fell through and we decided to get married at home, it was so bittersweet to still be able to have her involved in some way. She created the most exquisite cheese platters, bread basket, hearty salads and the most precious chocolate cake (with strawberry cream cheese) fit for 14 people. My mouth dropped when we went to pick everything up that morning. Thank you Jenn for bringing such a personal touch to our special day with your talent and love.

Reception // Peddler Brewing Company. By far one of my favorite memories of the day was dancing the night away at Zach’s close friend’s, Dave and Haley, brewery just a 5 minute drive from our house. If you haven’t been there yet, you’re in for a real treat. They built it from the ground up, put their blood, sweat and tears into it and ultimately have created such a unique space for people to enjoy their amazing beer. We danced that night, we laughed so much and we felt so comfortable having so much space to work with (#covid). Dave and Haley thank you for offering to host us as a private little event at your ginormous, amazing space! It was so incredible to have this option and we are forever grateful.

So, there you have it. Our wedding day in a nutshell. Like I said, I feel like we all got married that day. A true labor of love, filled with friends who took care of us and allowed us to relax and not worry about a damn thing. We even got tested for COVID a couple of days beforehand so we could be near each other without worrying. I mean, if that’s not a commitment to marriage, I don’t know what is. A lot of people have asked me if we are still going to have a bigger celebration next year. The answer is yes, HOWEVER, we don’t personally feel like we need it as a couple. Our courtyard wedding was so magical, fun and satisfying and felt like a “real” wedding so we’re good. The money has been spent though and we know how important it is to our families that they be present in person so we are going to still make it happen. Honestly, it will be an excuse to party and celebrate the shit show that has been 2020. Hopefully by next September we can actually have this said celebration and it will be a beautiful reminder to never take the simple joys in life for granted.

I hope you enjoyed reading through ALL of this and I can’t wait to share part two soon! Sending you all a big hug and the motivation/strength through this insane time. <3