Trusting in God's Providence | COVID Wedding Roundup

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Entering the sacrament of marriage regularly requires spouses-to-be to surrender to God’s will in a profound way, but couples getting married in the midst of the 2020 pandemic were invited to lean even more heavily on God’s providence. 

Closed Churches, capacity restrictions, lockdowns, and constantly evolving health and safety guidelines turned the carefully made wedding plans of countless brides and grooms upside down.

Faced with more planning challenges than ever before, couples responded by moving up their wedding dates, postponing or rescheduling their nuptials, making their original schedule work with noticeable adjustments, or celebrating their ceremony and large reception on separate occasions.

In each instance, couples had to discern God’s will for the unique and unconventional circumstances of their entrance into holy matrimony. Their faith in God’s plan and in one another was constantly put to the test.  

Not only did God provide in each situation, but many couples were surprised to find that despite the cancelled plans and seemingly dashed wedding-day dreams, their nuptials were actually better than anything they could have orchestrated themselves.

When their original vision was no longer a possibility, Catholic brides and grooms were forced to refocus on what was essential—the sacrament that would usher them into the one-flesh union as man and wife.

Related | Surprised by Smallness: The Hidden Blessings Found in Intimate Pandemic Weddings

Brooke + Scott | Whirlwind Pandemic Wedding

When COVID-19 shuttered churches and threatened to delay the sacraments indefinitely, Brooke and Scott made the bold decision to get married almost a month early, with only hours notice, in the presence of only their immediate family members; but later that summer, they finally got their fairytale celebration.

Alexandra + Aidan | Baltimore Basilica Pandemic Wedding

From the divine grandeur of the Baltimore Basilica to the intimate, candlelit reception in the bride’s family home, this Maryland wedding exuded the supernatural beauty and joy of the sacrament, despite pandemic conditions. But after much prayer, patience, perseverance, and creative compromises, their intimate celebration remained “a day that will never be forgotten.”

Tara + Sean | Elegant Extended-Celebration Wedding

While wedding planning during a pandemic brought countless challenges, Tara and Sean were determined to be married on the date they originally set, May 16. These college sweethearts chose to celebrate their marriage on two distinct days, allowing them to fully focus on the different aspects of the celebration. After five years of dating and an 18-month engagement, God provided for them to be joined as husband and wife in the presence of their closest family members and bridal party.

Ashley + Andy | Birmingham Cathedral Pandemic Wedding

An intimate Mass celebrated in the halls of the magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral in Birmingham, Alabama. Adorned with roses and blush elegance, a backyard reception became a beautiful celebration of the sacrament of marriage. Despite new social restrictions, their nuptial Mass held within the walls of their beloved cathedral felt anything but empty and isolating. As Ashley’s brother reminded her minutes before the ceremony, “the angels and saints are filling the rows.”

Gretchen + Peter | Autumn In Baltimore

A TLM celebration dusted with gold and Shire-inspired charm, illuminating the Lord’s providence amid the challenges of COVID-19 and military commitments. Gretchen and Peter decided to reduce their guest list of 250 to only 50 family and friends and to move their wedding day up by 5 weeks—a decision that would prove to be incredibly providential.

We’d love to feature your wedding or engagement and learn how God’s providence has worked in your love story! Spoken Bride is now accepting submissions. Share your story with our community!