Krista Potthast and Lawrence Gressette were married on their originally planned wedding date of May 16 by Susan Heath at noon outside Keenan Chapel, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Engaged for 16 months, they could not wait another day! The family enjoyed an al fresco garden reception at the couple’s new home using Krista’s grandmother’s wedding china and her great-grandmother’s handstitched linens. Photography by Landon Jacob Photography
Beginning in mid-March, COVID-19 created extreme challenges for planned nuptials. As our world shifted to a new normal, ceremonies were cancelled or relocated as churches closed. Receptions had to be postponed, flowers repurposed, and wedding attire stored. Many engaged couples who did not want to wait for the pandemic to die down instead got creative. Months of planning to become Mr. and Mrs. shifted to last minute, specialized services for reciting their vows. As the backdrops changed, intimate family gatherings and outdoor backyard weddings “zoomed” into focus. Small brunches and dinners, flowers from friends, folding chairs, and postponed honeymoons were welcomed by the bride and groom. Why wait another day!
We celebrate seven uniquely special Columbia newlyweds with snapshots of how they tied the knot in 2020. Two of our featured couples came in right under the wire and were able to enjoy their full planned wedding festivities just before the shutdown, and the other five marked a lifetime memory a bit differently than originally designed. Incredible joy was the common denominator in each momentous occasion.
