It’s funny how at the start of the pandemic, I tried my best to avoid using the word ‘Covid’ in my posts. Perhaps out of spite, or maybe a refusal to give in to reality. But now 3 years in, it seems to be slowly becoming another phase of the past.
Back then, couples were on tenterhooks on their wedding day: Will we go into another lockdown? Are we abiding by the SMMs (Safe Management Meaures)? Will guests abide by them? Will my neighbours call the police if I have a gatecrash? Can I kiss my bride? Can I hug my mother? Can I go over to my grandparents’ table to say hello? What if my family is more than 2 pax/5 pax – can I even take a family photo?
Before the year ends let me pen down some stories that lingered with me during the Covid years (2020 to 2022) and hopefully we can all bid adieu to this pandemic altogether in the year to come.
by Jonathan
Stella and William having a private moment before the commencement of their wedding mass.
The Lee family chatting with family over Zoom during Gervais and Justyne’s wedding day. Visitors per household were limited to 5 then. More from their wedding here.
Lynn’s family coming together to bid her farewell as she leaves for Kevin’s family home.
One of Jiamin’s bridesmaids, who works as a shoe designer (and designed the bride’s shoes), doing up the finishing touches before Jiebo comes to fetch his bride.
A handwritten letter from Ian and Charissa at the start of the wedding day. I remember the big red heart being of significance.
Timothy wrote Vivian a song and presented it to her on the morning of their wedding. They then had a private moment of worship before they set off.
We got chased out of Botanic Gardens on Jeremy and Ashleigh’s wedding day because of the size of the bridal party. (Disclaimer: the number was actually allowed according to PPAS’ SMM guidelines at that time)
Rohai and Jaslin were one of many who had to scale back their wedding celebrations due to Covid. They were super hospitable and I remember bringing home one of the best rendangs that day.
When live singing was not allowed, many turned to pre-recorded videos. Here is the choir from Edlyn and Kai’s church, Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, presenting a song to the newly weds.
Melanie hails from Canada and has been based in Singapore for a while when she met Arrun. Her entire family could not come to Singapore when borders were closed, so they had a virtual tea ceremony.
Gerald and Erica marching down the aisles with Oreo (@kpo.reo). Gerald was involved in a pretty bad car accident some years back and with the support of loved ones, he managed to overcome the odds to be where he is today.
My long time friend Zhi Mian and his bride Sandy who was born in Hong Kong. They chose Empress for their reception because of the Cantonese cuisine and Sandy’s roots.
Amos having a moment during the bridal procession.
During the peak of Covid restrictions, group photos could only be taken with guests 1m apart. And safe management officers of venues were there to enforce it.
Hisyam and Medusa having a private ceremony at the bandstand at Botanic Gardens.
Qinhui and Xinting wore transparent masks during their ceremony. Their smiles were also one of the biggest I’ve ever seen.
Terence and Alyssa met during a Halloween party and he cheekily introduced himself to her as Indian Jones.
Anthea and Shem had to postpone their wedding reception but when they finally held it, it was an incredibly intimate evening. Anthea and Shem are one of those people who I think I can hold conversations with all day long. I also had the chance to hang out with them one glorious morning here.
A slice of life: Honyi and Karin making sure their blinds are brought down before leaving the house to get married.
Rachel’s parents wear their hearts on their sleeve on their daughter’s wedding day. It was deja vu of Jessie’s (Rachel’s sister) big day some years back.
Michelle’s niece following the bright red dress on Michelle and David’s wedding day.
A small gesture but a reflection of a father’s heart. Here Janice’s dad is helping with final adjustments before he walks his daughter down the aisle and hands her over to Shan.
Hans’ mum sneaking a shot of him and Janelle upon their arrival at their family home.
McDonalds delivery to a random place, picked up by the groomsmen during Jon and Yong Ying’s bridal party photoshoot.
Gregory and Joanna sharing a moment outside her home. Gregory is a social worker with a big heart and I’ve had the opportunity to work with him numerous times since his wedding.
Our first wedding at Haus217 was with Darius and Michelle. They didn’t manage to hold a reception after the ceremony due to prevailing regulations at that time. But everyone went home with coffee! Something close to Darius’ heart. More from their wedding here.
Audrey and Kheng Wee had a small ceremony at home when the visitor limit per household was at 5. Their families had to tune in via Zoom and I remember their friends taking up stations around the house; emcee in the kitchen, livestream admin in the study (as the wifi signal was the strongest).
For many, wedding receptions were an occasion to see friends and family again after social distancing for a long time. This was taken at Shaun and Kathleen’s big day.
Yan Ping and her dad share a special relationship (cont’d below).
I witnessed this scene from the corner of my eye as I was about to leave the reception; reality hits Yan Ping’s dad towards the end of the day.
Allison and Anson had their wedding in Melbourne and were supposed to come back to Singapore in Dec 2020 for their dinner reception but Covid had other plans. The reception finally happened after postponing for a year. Here is Allison’s family reunited again.
Friends coming together to help out at Matthaeus and Huimin’s wedding. I’ll always remember the couple’s kindness and generosity of a Shake Shack ‘snack’ :P.
Huimin helping her dad with his mask just before they enter the ballroom.
Ah the Star Wars wedding of the year. With David and his older brother sporting the same cool hairstyle.
One of my favourite frames from Kasturi and Colin’s wedding album. Love, longing, and family all in one photo.
Dion and Camellia share a private prayer before the start of their holy matrimony.
Audrey candidly shared that her mum had not been in the best of health and though not many words were exchanged that morning, this tender moment spoke volumes to me.
Monique’s nephew surprising his auntie with some love.
And Monique in turn having a moment with her dad just before they marched down the aisles of Church of St Teresa.
Amanda’s grandma brought her up and I thought this moment was poignant of their relationship; forever keeping a watchful and caring eye.
Joseph and Scholastica right after unveiling the bride in the morning. These two are the epitome of gentle and loving.
The ever effervescent Kelvin fetching his bride Jiexin on their big day.
Rachel and Barron paid a visit to All Saint’s Memorial on their wedding day where Rachel’s dad’s niche is located.
Jeanette’s mum saying a prayer for the couple on Jeanette and Pramesh’s big day. I have been lucky and privileged to document the weddings of Jeanette as well as two of her sisters (Joan first and recently Marjorie) and their mum has always been such a quiet but encouraging pillar of support.
Hennessy and Galvin, childhood friends, married in 2018 and decided to renew their vows in the Catholic church in 2022 with their daughter Gabby in tow.
The one night that made me feel like the end of Covid is nigh. Had such a blast at Sam and Paige’s wedding at The Alkaff Mansion. Music, beer and camaraderie is a great recipe for a celebration.
3 years in the making: Sylvia and Kian had to wait for borders to open before Sylvia’s parents could fly in to be part of their beautiful day.
Saeam’s mum shedding a few tears, seconds before they march-in to officially hand her over to Johan.
