While battling on the front-line of COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel and her fiance Frank contracted the illness. You can imagine how this could dramatically affect their wedding plans, not to mention the lockdown. But none of this adversity stopped Rachel and Frank. After recovering from coronavirus, they modified their wedding plans and held a very family focused and touching event in spite of social distancing rules. Here’s their story with photography by the wonderful Tami & Ryan Photography.
From the Bride:
“Frank and I had been engaged for almost 2 years and together for more than 6! We had been anticipating May 30th for what seemed like forever. In early March when things started to close down we still had hope, but then I had a positive COVID test. Being a frontline worker, I went into work everyday with a pit in my stomach because of the unknown. You just never think it would happen to you, especially when this is supposed to be the best time of your life. A few days later Frank began to get sick as well. Although it was a long few weeks of recovery, we made it through with the help of our loved ones! The night that I got my results was when we decided together to reschedule our reception. From there, my mom rescheduled the bridal shower and my MOH cancelled the bachelorette party. Through all of this heartbreak Frank and I came out stronger, and we were determined to get married on our original date to start our lives together. We jumped through hoops but eventually figured out a way to make this happen!”
The Ceremony
“The ceremony took place at my late grandparents church. I have a very close family and my grandparents were the driving force behind our faith, love and togetherness. The priest had become very close with my grandfather and he was thrilled to be marrying us. Frank and I had little to no expectations for May 30th. We had invited our immediate family to the Church to witness our Marriage and then my Mom was hosting a picnic in her backyard with Chick Fila! Frank woke up at 6 AM to golf with a few of his groomsmen since they weren’t able to come to the church. I had what was probably the chillest morning ever as a bride; walked my dog, watered my plants, enjoyed a cup of coffee on my deck – there was no stress at all! My sister in law and my cousins arrived to doll me up while Frank got dressed with his immediate family a few streets away at his parents. “
“I then drove myself to my wedding ceremony and that is definitely a moment I will never forget! The ceremony was intimate with both sets of Franks Grandparents on facetime watching from afar. We were both very emotional as we had been through so much the previous few months to get to that day and we were so happy to finally be married! There was not a dry eye in the church.”
The Drive-by Reception
“I was told that Frank and I were going to lead a parade of our family and friends to my moms house. When we arrived in the parking lot, there was probably about 40 cars lined up in a circle. We were completely blown away. We walked around the circle to greet everyone while my cousin was the MC and blasted music. Our friends and family had made signs, decorated their cars and brought champagne, lots and lots of champagne. At one point our first dance song started to play and we were able to have our first dance together as the new Mr. and Mrs. Genther! This was SO special and SO unexpected, it honestly could not have been a better day. I may not have worn the gown I picked out and a million of the details we planned were missing – but the love we share is immeasurable and it was evident in this circle as we were surrounded by our family and friends!
Photography: Tami & Ryan Photography