The Covid-19 Pandemic and U.S. lockdown has really put a kink in a lot of plans for couples tying the knot, including our CEO, Lily Oswald. Two weeks ago after a strenuous few months, Lily and her now husband Matt were able to say “I Do” surrounded by family and a few friends at a small ceremony, here in Kutztown, PA at the Moselem Spring Barn.

Here is Lily’s story and first hand accounts of her and Matt planning their wedding:

My fiancé and I got engaged in 2018 at Blue Hill Stone Barns, a gorgeous farm to table restaurant at the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement. We started planning our June 2020 wedding right away, with a guest list of 200 at a 17th century stone barn in Pennsylvania, close to where I grew up. Little did we know what was in store that year (obviously).

My sister illustrated our save the dates to tie into our theme, which went out in Dec 2019. I studied calligraphy to hand-letter all the cards, because #whynot. 

The Dress

A friend of ours was working at the bridal design firm Justin Alexander when we got engaged. I had an amazing afternoon with my soon-to-be mother and sister-in-law trying on dozens of dresses, we found “the one” and ordered it immediately!

“The One” we found was quite a gown, with layers of tulle and a big train, not the easiest to dance in, so  I opted to get a 2nd dress for the reception part of the wedding. A Fame and Partners silk number with an open back. My mom helped to make a gorgeous custom-embellished chain with freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals, thanks to a  local seamstress who added it to my reception dress. 

 

The Lockdown

On March 17, 2020, the Governor of Pennsylvania announced a lockdown, closing schools, stores, bars, and restaurants across the state due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Our wedding planner jumped into action, and helped us immediately postpone our June 2020 date to August. By May, we realized that August might not happen, and moved the wedding a 2nd time to June 2021.

Our COVID Wedding

Frustrated by the experience, we decided to make it official in October in front of just 18 immediate family and three close friends. My parents hosted a backyard wedding, with lots of do-it-yourself touches.

My maternal grandmother made the cake, my mother put together my gorgeous bouquet, my sister hung bistro lights, and my brother-in-law made our chuppah. Everyone coming together to help make it happen made it that much more special.

I wore a gorgeous freshwater pearl Sorrelli hair piece with custom earrings that my mom and I designed together. My bridesmaids wore emerald silk gowns from BHLDN with Sorrelli pearl cluster earrings and matching hairpieces.  

My advice to any bride planning a COVID wedding, it’s the marriage that matters, not the fancy party. If you want to make things official, your friends and family will be there, don’t be afraid to ask for help and pivot your original plans. To be honest, as much as I wanted all my nearest and dearest to be present for our big day, I’m so happy we had such an intimate ceremony, and can’t wait for a larger reception when circumstances allow. The smaller celebration was truly special and helped ease the anxiety of so many postponements. Remember the most important thing is being true to the life you’re trying to build, even if life throws a few curveballs along the way. 

XO,
Lily