It was March 19, 2020 when our world in the guise of a small city shut itself down. It was my husband’s (then boyfriend) birthday. We both took the day off to celebrate but we ended up in our apartment ordering take-outs because establishments are no longer serving customers on site. We were still feeling young and oblivious to the fact that our world may soon end. We got on with our lives working from home and trying not to kill each other in the process of being together 24/7.
We discovered we were pregnant at the end of July that year. Yey pandemic baby. No yey. At first, I did not know how to feel. Was he careless? Did I allow this to happen? The answer is yes—we were both careless and a baby might actually be a welcoming sight in these trying times. At the same time, you’re asking yourself if bringing a baby into this forsaken world is the best.
My husband was ecstatic at the thought of having a baby, but the next step was looking to move somewhere since our small studio apartment is in no shape to raise a baby. So first things first. Get married. You might think that the decision was ultimately decided by the baby. The answer is yes. But also, there has been no denying that both of us are sure of each other after eight years of being together. We just did not plan a wedding and both of us were in no rush. We just needed a seal to the deal, and the baby did just that.
We decided to get married in that city we were currently in—away from our families who can’t really travel due to restrictions. We went to the local government unit and processed the needed requirements for us to hold our wedding in a beautiful church near our place. Most errands were done by my husband since you can’t really let an unvaccinated pregnant woman go to places. So, one by one, we were able to comply with the requirements of the church. We were able to set a date for November and I was already picturing myself with a bump by that time.
I decided on the first dress I tried.
We were planning an intimate wedding—just like our love—low-key and simple. Due to restrictions, there will be no entourage. I started making a list of the people who will be coming to the wedding and finalized with less than twenty! Our families and friends who can’t be there will be with us online. I started making Save the Dates and Invitations using Canva. I also researched the updated wedding ceremony and created our ceremony booklet.
We decided on having our outfits through rental so we can save money and energy in fittings. The shop we went to has a lady who was nice and helped me find a dress given that I’m pregnant. I decided on the first dress I tried. We did a little adjustment on the dress before the wedding because I already had a bump by then.
For souvenirs, I just did some online shopping through Shopee and found some small businesses. I decided on scented candles for all the attendees. The seller I found was from the same province as ours who was able to design the stickers and have them approved by me so I don’t have to think of it anymore. For our sponsors, I decided to make it personal—I crocheted table coasters, bought plant hangers (I initially wanted to make them but it would probably take effort on my part to learn a new hobby), some coffee beans, and liquor to others.
I did my own makeup and hair. I booked a nearby hotel where I could stay the night before (because they say it’s bad luck for the couple to see each other the night before the wedding) the wedding and where we can just be lazy after the wedding. I made my own bouquet which was probably a bad choice because it was a disaster! So much for DIY, I guess.
We held the reception on a garden restaurant near our place so we don’t have to go outside the city to have that sunset and garden vibe for the reception. The place was decorated by my officemates-turned friends and I could not thank them enough for their efforts! I hired a professional singer because that was one of my non-negotiables. We also got a photographer for the ceremony and reception.
I think that’s it! It was a truly simple and intimate celebration. The only bummer was that our families were not able to witness it first-hand but we surely felt their presence and support even if they were miles away.