Silver Linings in the Midst of Crisis

With the COVID-19 outbreak also came a sense of sadness. Events were canceled, trips rescheduled, weddings postponed, time with friends permanently delayed. Even something as simple as a work happy hour seems like a thing of the past. For many, it has felt like life has been placed on pause. But in all the chaos, something beautiful has emerged. Communities have banded together, neighbors have stepped up to lend a helping hand, and, despite social distancing, people have found a way to become closer than ever before. In the midst of crisis there are many silver linings.

A newly engaged couple celebrating their love beachside near The Carlsbad Windmill by Wedgewood Weddings

Loved Ones are Still Saying ‘I Do!’

For most couples scheduled to wed in the spring or summer of 2020, wedding plans had to be postponed in light of local shutdowns. But even a pandemic isn’t strong enough to stop true love. Many couples have opted to still say ‘I do’ in some unconventional, beautiful ways. One of our favorite COVID-19 weddings recently occurred courtesy of John Kraszinski's Some Good News, and a reunion of the cast of The Office. If you’re a fan of The Office, you’ll love seeing Jim and Pam together again to help one lucky couple exchange their vows in front of friends and family via Zoom. Full disclosure: we may have shed some happy tears watching this one!

Couples are Still Getting Engaged

If you can make it through self-isolation and a global pandemic with your significant other, that’s a surefire sign that they're the one. In light of COVID-19, couples are finding new ways to pop the question - in front of a chalk drawing of the Eiffel Tower, after a serene walk around Washington, D.C., and so on. 

After battling COVID-19 and a stay in the ICU, one woman was released from the hospital to be greeted by the surprise of her life. Her loving boyfriend waited for her in the lobby so he could pop the question on bended knee. Here’s to the couple spending their long, healthy, very happy lives together!

Communities are Giving Back

COVID-19 has created a unique set of challenges for communities around the globe. But with great hardship comes great hope. 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

― Fred Rogers

Businesses and individuals alike are banding together to give back in unprecedented ways. From restaurants providing meals to first responders to manufacturers shifting production to face masks and hand sanitizer, there is no shortness of kindness during this COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrities are also finding fun ways to give back, with Guy Fieri and Bill Murray hosting a live nacho-making contest to benefit out-of-work restaurant industry employees.

You probably don’t have to scroll far through your Instagram or Facebook feed to see a story about someone in your community lending a helping hand to those in need.

friends are Reconnecting With Friends

Social distancing has left a lot of us craving the comfort of pre-coronavirus social interactions. And while a day at the beach or dinner out on the town is still a no-go in most states, technology had helped us reconnect with our friends in new and exciting ways.

Apps like Zoom and House Party have been integral to helping keep people connected during lockdown. From virtual book clubs to Netflix Party, there is no shortage of unique ways to maintain social interaction from a safe distance.

A Reason to Celebrate

While it may be some time before in-person celebrations return, many are turning to virtual festivities for big occasions. From birthday parties and weddings to anniversaries and graduations, the world is taking parties online.

Parents of young children, for example, can now host Zoom birthday parties complete with magicians and artists to entertain little ones. And while most schools are still closed, seniors across the country are planning virtual proms as a high school rite of passage. Even in the middle of a pandemic, there are still so many reasons to celebrate.

Staying Fit and Enjoying the Great Outdoors

Gyms, yoga studios, and team sports are all temporarily on pause, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of physical activities available. The great outdoors has been a source of mindfulness for many during the chaos of lockdown. Whether able to enjoy virtual replicas of nature or lace up running shoes, getting back to nature is a balm.

In light of shutdowns, many fitness studios have shifted to online classes - allowing users to still participate in workouts from home. Peloton, for example, started offering a free 90-day subscription to their popular on-demand workout videos. Meanwhile, personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts have been utilizing platforms like Instagram Live to share their favorite workouts with fans and followers.

Staying active during social distancing is also a great way to boost endorphins and your overall mood - something that’s incredibly beneficial in light of current events. 

Silver Linings From the Wedgewood Weddings Team During The Crisis

We like to think of our company as tight knit. We love spending time together so being separated has definitely been a hard adjustment, so we asked our team if they have found any reasons to smile recently. 

I didn't realize how much I was missing spending time with my family - being able to spend more time with them has definitely been a silver lining. But I'm looking forward to having happy conversations with clients and being able to have work for our peeps again soon!

Kali, Sequoia Mansion

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I love spending more time with my baby! It's also great to step back and find perspective: weddings should be about the marriage, and less about the exact shade of peach roses. I hope that will continue!

Angela, Boulder Ridge

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I can't wait for a nice dip in the pool, but my house is reeeeeeeealy clean right now :)

Kendalyn, Sterling Hills

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Personally, I've loved more quality time with my guy, Mike, and my pets. From a work perspective, this time has given me space to focus on training. I started this role relatively recently and have completed a year's worth of training in only a month. It's brilliant and I'm better for it. My team and I are all more than ready to begin hosting events!

Sarah, Granite Rose

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Being able to find joy and gratitude in new places - the "wins" look a lot different now, but if we can find wins and joy in a crisis, it should be that much easier to continue to do so once the crisis has passed.

Chloe, Tapestry House

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It's fantastic to realise that most people are grateful and appreciative for a million reasons during the Coronavirus pandemic. But I'm really looking forward to be able to hug again and not stress about everything I touch at every minute of the day!

Colleen, Ken Caryl Vista

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The time I've saved from commuting each day has given me two more hours each day with my family and that has been a huge blessing! On a personal note, I cannot wait to go out to eat with my husband and take my baby to playdates! Workwise, I miss my team and want to give everyone a hug.

Alex, Brittany Hill

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I have the gift of time: I've been able to spend so much more time with my husband and kids. I'm watching my 7-year-old daughter change daily and it makes me so happy. I have enjoyed being able to work from home, but I do want to get back to work and normal life. I'm ready to go back to normal: Hosting weddings, seeing my sales, event and culinary teams every day. Just seeing people outside my home.

Crystal, Galway Downs

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I've been able to be home with my baby and witness his first steps and first waves hello! Time with his is calming and happy. 

Alissa, San Ramon

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In the words of our team: there are so many things to appreciate and look forward to even while we navigate this crisis. Finding joy in the small things is part of our human experience and making time to show love is critical for our everyday happiness. 

Check out our Wedgewood Weddings COVID-19 guide for more resources on wedding planning, strengthening your relationship, and overall wellness.