What I’m Doing – Wedding update

So…

Planning a wedding during a Pandemic is not for the faint of heart! The times in which plans have had to be changed are countless. One of the biggest and saddest changes is losing so many people when we went from 175 invited friends and family to 50. Last Friday we finally got the news we had been hoping and praying for. Deschutes County went to Level 2 which meant we could re-invite 50 people that we had to uninvite due to COVID-19 restrictions.  So just 2 weeks prior to the wedding we felt things were finally falling into place. Of course we were still sad about those who couldn’t join us.

And then…

Late Monday afternoon the Griffin family received an email from the venue announcing our event was cancelled. It was a hard no and no begging or threatening was going to change that.  My heart stopped…..WHAT?????

Just under 2 weeks until the wedding and we have 100 people a caterer, florist, photographers, and no venue….

The reason? COVID-19

The email read in part;

“No insurance companies are offering communicable disease insurance so until we can figure something out with our insurance company we have to remain closed. We can’t take the chance of getting sued if someone contracts COVID-19 at the lodge.” 

Needless to say there was a wave of anxiety that swept us all.  Now what? I was left feeling helpless as the Griffin’s who live in Bend where the wedding is to be, scrambled making phone calls and searching for a venue that could accommodate our 100 guests (nobody wanted to uninvite people again!) We also wanted to keep the same date and time of the wedding which is scheduled in less than 2 weeks. I just kept praying for a miracle. 

Miracles Happen – especially during a pandemic

In less than 24 hours I received a phone call from Jocelyn they had found a venue! A beautiful venue that will be perfect for all our wedding needs! Hooray! 

Now, just 10 days out from the wedding we should just have a smooth ride to the alter from here….

What I’m Photographing – Graduates in a Pandemic

Yes it’s true!!! I am once again a legal photographer!! Wooooohoooo! I have already done 5 shoots this month with another tonight and several more through the month. I could not be happier! It feels amazing to work with people again! My sessions are outside and maintaining a safe distance is not a problem. I will admit to forcing my hands in my pockets over and over again when a graduation tassel needed adjusting.

 

 

 

I’m so thankful to be able to work as a photographer again. I love my job and value the opportunity I have 

to do something I love so much. I love meeting new people and sharing exciting times in family’s lives.  Graduations are looking very different this year. I think that gives photography an even bigger role. As you know I’m a big believer in documenting life’s big events.  Even more so when life’s big events are altered because of a pandemic. 

While some students wear face masks as they receive their diplomas and have to switch their own tassels it doesn’t diminish their accomplishments. The power of family and friends and the determination to honor their accomplishments and celebrate no matter what is a beautiful thing. 

I have one more graduation to photograph next week. So far they have all looked a bit different as the rules and sizes of classes as well as the State the graduation is in all dictates what should and should not be done. The one consistency is some pretty proud kids and really grateful families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have also squeezed in my first Senior for the class of 2021!! Life has sped up dramatically and I am trying to keep up with a thankful heart!

What’s Next

Next week is wedding prep and my last graduation shoot. I have a hair appointment and a pedicure scheduled. After all this quarantining I will have to remind myself how to dress properly and wear make up again.   With all of this anticipation I know it will be over in the blink of an eye. My goal is to stay calm, take in the moments and just soak it all in. 

AND not to be overlooked Grammy turns 99 next Tuesday on the 16th! She is in lock down so we won’t be able to celebrate her like we should but we will do our best to let her know we are thankful for her even it is through a window. 

Thanks for stopping by friends!

I may not post next week. you can always follow my social media accounts where I will be posting about all things Griffin-Fry wedding and our trip to Bend.

Shelly