By Alex Braziel, a Columbia/Lexington native, Gamecock alum, cat enthusiast + southern food junkie.

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Q – How has your personal life and/or family been affected by coronavirus?

A – I actually work in the hospitality industry + I was furloughed on March 24th. Applying for unemployment was never something I thought I would have to do, especially with our wedding quickly approaching. I LOVE working, I even had two jobs for a bit while taking classes as a full-time student in college. So, keeping myself busy with home projects and new recipes has become the new norm.

My fiancé, Skyler, works at Michelin and they have been continuing as usual, with shortened shifts + wellness checks. My mom is actually a nurse and was asked to be a site manager for the coronavirus floor for a week, which was a bit scary. Luckily, she’s back in her normal area and has stayed healthy.

I constantly hear stories about how my other family members and friends have become well acquainted with Zoom and phone meetings. It’s interesting because many of them thought they would enjoy working in their PJs but have since voiced that they would rather be back in the office. I truly believe we will all see the world much differently once we’re able to return to our normal schedules.

Q – When did your vendors contact you about your wedding + the coronavirus? What options did they give you?

A – My wedding coordinator reached out to me back in March to set up a back-up date. However, we both agreed that we wouldn’t make the official change until ~two weeks prior. Things were changing every day and we knew it would be a lot of work to change it back if everything settled down.

She and I reached out to all of my vendors to notify them of the new potential date and, luckily, everyone but my caterer was available. (We were able to find another caterer though!) All of my vendors were willing to make the change at no extra cost, which was great! I’ve heard similar stories regarding other vendors – which I honestly think is the best thing they could do at this point. Everyone is being impacted in some way by this virus and how vendors respond to their clientele will directly impact their reviews, whether it is positive or negative.

Q – What message do you have for the Columbia community/other couples in your situation right now?

A – You know, it’s crazy because our official wedding day was supposed to happen this month and we should be married right now. I’m feeling a lot of emotions – sad that we didn’t get to see our family and friends, nervous that our new date may also be impacted, but also thankful that all of our vendors were able to reschedule for our new date.

My advice to those whose weddings are being impacted by the coronavirus – sit down with your significant other and decide what’s important for the two of you during this time. To some, that might mean making it happen now with a VERY intimate ceremony, or via Zoom. Luckily, we live in a day and age where we can combat social distancing woes with video chats and recorded memories on social media. To those like us, it’s rescheduling in hopes that we will still get a chance to celebrate with our loved ones on our special day.

There’s no right or wrong choice, it’s still your day and your decision. I know – from experience – that local vendors want nothing more than to execute a magical day for you and yours, however they can. So postpone, elope, set up a ‘6 feet apart’ backyard ceremony – do what will make you happy because in the end, that’s all that matters. Stay well, and stay hopeful – your day will still be wonderful.