From Paige & Jesse Wilson: Getting Married in a Pandemic

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

“Your wedding day will be the happiest day of your lives.” That is what everyone told us, and they were right.

On July 18, 2020, we were married at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in the midst of the worst pandemic in 100 years. When couples were postponing (and even cancelling) left and right, we decided that COVID-19 would not, no, could not stop us.

Sure, the ceremony guest list had to drop from about 70 to about 10, but the change just made it that much more intimate and Spirit-filled. The only guests were our parents and my (Paige’s) sister, and that made the first time we had hugged our families since late March that much more emotional - a new son for the Yamamotos and a new daughter for the Wilsons.

And sure, everyone would have to wear masks, but would you guess that would provide another accessory opportunity? The occasion called for an ivory-colored satin mask for the bride, and a navy blue aloha print mask for the groom. 

At the ceremony only the cantor could sing, but we are all bad singers anyway! Plus, the cantor and organist performed so powerfully and beautifully that it felt right to just soak in the scene. Each prelude, hymn, and anthem was better than the next.

We did have to cancel the reception for about 150 people; however, we did get to share our first meal altogether as a family. That’s right! Our parents did not meet in-person because of the pandemic until our wedding date. Thank goodness Rigo had seating for seven! Laughs were had, and stories were told. Though the lunch could have been awkward and forced, it was not. Our two families simply came together.  

The main thing we remember about that day two months later is that old cliché with which we began this thanksgiving. It was the happiest day of our lives. On a day when anxiety could have reigned supreme (and has all year), we could not stop smiling. COVID was not the top story - it was our love and God’s blessing.  

With love, aloha, and blessings,
Paige & Jesse Wilson

P.S. And for those of you who have been married for 10, 20, 30, or even more years, we’re right behind you.

The General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, 
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks 
for all your goodness and loving-kindness 
to us and to all whom you have made. 
We bless you for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life; 
but above all for your immeasurable love 
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; 
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. 
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, 
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, 
not only with our lips, but in our lives, 
by giving up our selves to your service, 
and by walking before you 
in holiness and righteousness all our days; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, 
be honor and glory throughout all ages.
Amen.

The Book of Common Prayer (pp. 101 and 125)