Jaden and Trace: A COVID Wedding in the Woods
An Interview with a Couple Who Got Married During COVID
and the photos are giving us major Folklore vibes.
From their photographer, Marina of Marina Claire:
Jaden and Trace had an intimate and meaningful wedding ceremony in the woods on April 18th. This was definitely not their original plan though; their wedding was set to take place at her grandparents California vineyard. Everything was set, then it quickly became clear that plans would have to change due to COVID-19. Here in Ohio, everything was very much shut down in April, so Jaden and Trace took things into their own hands and planned for a DIY ceremony. They found a beautiful spot in the woods of a park nearby where they would exchange their vows. Trace built a modern, minimal arch that Jaden decorated with flowers and greenery. While I love the hustle and bustle of a typical wedding day with a full bridal party, it was really nice watching Trace get ready with just one other close friend and Jaden with her mom. There was space and quiet to have conversations, as cufflinks were placed and hairs were pinned. For the ceremony, the couple’s parents and two close friends gathered at the chosen spot in the woods while other guests joined on zoom. Jaden walked down the leaf-covered path turned aisle solo carrying her handmade bouquet of orchids wrapped with silk from her future mother-in-law’s wedding dress. Soft light streamed through the trees and happy tears were shed as she made her way towards the guests and Trace. The ceremony was officiated by one of their closest friends, a would-have-been groomsman under normal circumstances. Trace's dad gave a prayer and they were married. It was one of the most peaceful settings for a ceremony I've been to. It felt like there was no one else in the world around. Afterward, they shared their first dance right there in the woods. They got to say hi to all their guests tied in on zoom and the joy on their faces was hard to miss. For photos, we explored the nearby woods and a waterfall they had scouted out for their portraits. With no strict timeline or huge entourage, we could take our time finding the best lighting and focusing on their connection. It was one of my favorite times of taking bride & groom photos. After we were done the newlyweds headed to their adorable home to a private dinner for just the two of them.
The interview:
How long have you known each other? How did you meet? We’ve known each other for about 4 years and met through mutual friends
When did each of you know you wanted to get married? When did you fall for each other? I think this happened gradually as our friendship grew. Neither of us had an exact moment where we felt we knew it was just falling in love with our best friend
Tell us your engagement story. My best friend took me for a hike. He was there hiding in the woods, popped out and proposed! It was simple and beautiful.
Did you write your own vows or exchange traditional vows? If you wrote your own, what was each of your favorite line(s) from the vows? We exchanged traditional vows.
Tell us about the top 1-3 moments of your wedding day. 1. Walking down the aisle and seeing each other
2. We at dinner and home just us two with a home-cooked meal from my cousin who is a head chef at D.B.A. It was intimate and delicious!
What do you think you'll remember the most from your wedding 50 years from now? “The way you kept looking at me and smiling” -Trace
What details in your wedding did you incorporate that were deeply meaningful to the two of you? I made my flower arrangements and Trace made the triangle arch above us. Doing the decorating ourselves made it feel like ours. I [also] used part of my mother in laws dress to wrap around my bouquet.
Did you incorporate anything nontraditional or quirky that you would like us to note? Due to the circumstances, many parts of our wedding we’re nontraditional! We moved straight into the first dance after the vows were completed and we used a Bluetooth speaker for our music! Due to the small group, it worked out perfectly.
What is the kindest thing your spouse has said or done for you? “When I had surgery and you came over to spend the day and brought me a gift bag” -Trace
“He leaves me little notes sometimes that are sometimes funny sometimes sweet that brighten my day” -Jaden
How did you feel when you saw your spouse for the first time on your wedding day: It was very surreal and exciting! Seeing him took my nerves away. - Jaden
We are big fans of supporting small businesses. What are your favorite local spots in your area?
Stump
Rose parlor
Room service