The sense of relief instantly spread across Ryan’s face as he stepped out of the car. It felt like we all had been holding our breath for the last 10 days, wondering if we’d actually make it to Hartley Botanica for their wedding to watch Ryan and Wishma say “I do.” The reality we’ve all come to face over the last few months is that things can change in an instant and the constant flurry of updates is dizzying.
How do you manage when one day you’re at the courthouse to pick up your marriage license, and the next day you’re getting a call from your reception venue stating that due to new restrictions, your dream celebration can no longer happen?
It’s an awful situation that so many couples have had to face due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Wishma and Ryan had to go through it TWO times. Just weeks before their original April wedding date, the country first went into lockdown and Ryan and Wishma made the difficult choice to postpone their wedding. They had hopes that the situation would be under control by July. But even as the warm weather rolled in, the circumstances remained ever-changing. COVID-19 forced them to change plans once again just 10 days before they were set to say “I do.” Their reception plans would have to be scrapped, but there was no way these two were going to wait any longer to become husband and wife.
Wishma and Ryan,
It has been such a treat to be alongside you two on this winding journey. Since our first chance encounter (before either of you even knew I was a photographer!) I was so eager get to know you both and be a part of your journey to become husband and wife.
I said it many times before, but it bears repeating: it was inspiring seeing the way you two managed to navigate these uncertain times together without ever letting the smiles slip from your faces. Yours is a relationship truly rooted in love and commitment, and your relentless pursuit to begin your marriage in spite of all that the world threw at you gives me so much faith that you will continue to flourish as a couple, in good times and in bad, because you have each other.
It was my honor to capture the memories from your beautiful wedding ceremony. The sunny yellows from your big day were the perfect representation of your warm and loving spirits. I’m grateful that this friendship we’ve built along the way will now allow me to see how you continue to thrive together over time, and I can’t wait to celebrate you two all over again at your five-year vow renewal!
Hartley Botanica Wedding Vendor Team:
Photography: Leslie Joy Photography
Ceremony Venue: Hartley Botanica
Florist: Manybell’s Creations
Bridal Gown: The Dress Santa Barbara
Suit: J. David’s Custom Clothiers
Invitations: custom designed by the bride
Jeweler: Etsy
Officiant: Jonathan Mulford
