Well, I think we can all agree that 2020 is not exactly turning out the way we thought it would. Stuck at home, trying to stay healthy, worried about loved ones, trying to keep kids learning, events and plans cancelled. COVID-19 has changed our spring and, likely, our summer.
If you’re one of the thousands of people who were planning your wedding for this spring and summer, I can only imagine how stressed you must feel!
I have already started communicating with my clients whose weddings are coming up, and I think it’s important to communicate with everyone, even as we maintain cautious optimism for Summer and Fall events and weddings. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about your own wedding, are thinking of rescheduling, or just want to talk! It is a great honor and joy to be part of couples’ wedding celebrations and I plan to be there for all of you – no matter what! To get the conversation going for now, I have answered some of the most frequently asked questions I have seen floating around the wedding planning world as we all navigate this crisis.
Will you still be photographing our wedding?
Yes, absolutely! I still plan to photograph 100% of the weddings I have scheduled for this year, as long as your event carries forward, we are all healthy, and we follow the guidance set forth by the Commonwealth including social distancing recommendations. The situation is changing everyday, and I am working hard to stay on top of the most recent guidance and recommendations for photographers.
What happens if we reschedule our wedding?
As you know, I received a non-refundable deposit in order to hold your wedding date. If you choose to reschedule your wedding to a new date, I can either cover it myself or contract another professional photographer to photograph it on my behalf (I will also give you a 10% discount off your total package to compensate for having a different photographer on the day of.) There are no penalties or fees associated with rescheduling. Contact me as soon as you have made the decision to postpone, keep me updated on the new date you choose, and we will update your contact as needed.
What happens if we cancel our wedding?
Again, you paid a non-refundable deposit in order for me to hold your wedding date and there are no refunds for cancelled weddings. Typically, when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic, I do charge cancellation fees based on how far out we are from your date. But in the case of COVID-19, which we would consider a “Force Majeure,” there will be no cancellation fees if you choose to cancel and not reschedule your wedding. If you are considering cancelling your wedding and not rescheduling, please let me know as soon as possible, as it would free up your date for another couple.
What happens if we change our wedding plan to private elopement?
I am hearing lots of buzz about couples opting for small, private ceremonies on their original wedding date rather than rescheduling for a large party. After all, we don’t know when the large weddings we’re accustomed to will be back. If you choose to change your wedding plan, and thus require fewer hours of photographer coverage, we can adjust the package you already booked and create a new timeline. No problem! You could keep your original date, or reschedule to a new date (see above.) You can invite a smaller number of guests (or none!). I’ve photographed many elopements over the years, and I’m happy to help make suggestions, come up with locations, and guide you through creating an event that is still incredibly memorable and results in beautiful photos.
What happens if we get sick? What happens if you get sick?
My hope is that if you or your future spouse present symptoms of illness, you will follow CDC recommendations and cancel or postpone your wedding. I will certainly not be attending if you or one of your close family members is exhibiting symptoms! I do not feel comfortable or safe photographing your wedding if you are exhibiting possible symptoms of COVID-19.
Similarly, if I exhibit symptoms I will find a replacement photographer to cover your event based on the agreement laid out in our contract. I have a large network of amazing photographers and we have all agreed to support and cover each other if need be.
Any other questions?
If you have questions about something I didn’t cover here, please feel free to contact me directly via email: [email protected]. I am here to help you however I can!