By Amanda Krause
Weddings have looked a lot different since the COVID-19 pandemic took over the world in 2020.
Families have watched their loved ones wed over Zoom, receptions have been smaller, and face masks are now staples of bridal fashion. But despite the struggles, weddings around the world have continued to celebrate love.
That’s why Fearless Photographers recently rounded up images that “acknowledge tough times,” serve as reminders that “we can find love and happiness in small things,” and show that we have “the strength within us to get through it all together.”
Here’s a look at 24 stunning photos from the collection.
People found innovative ways to honor loved ones who couldn’t attend their weddings in person.
As photographer Cyd Lapour showed, some couples taped photos of their family and friends to church pews during their ceremonies.
At other weddings, temperature checks were mandatory — even for the bride.
One bride had a thermometer held across her forehead moments before she walked down the aisle, as seen in this image from photographer Miguel A. Padrón.
Some decor had to be changed as weddings were postponed.
One couple even included crossed-out wedding dates on their welcome sign, as photographed by Mary Aulick.
But some traditions were able to stay in place.
Ken Pak photographed one couple wearing Vietnamese wedding attire while surrounded by their loved ones.
Masks played a huge part in pandemic weddings.
Two brides had their wedding-day kiss while wearing white masks that matched their dresses. Maxime Faury captured the sweet moment between the couple.
Some people even used them to let others know that they were happy to be there.
Nadine Lotze photographed one attendee who wore a face covering that said “I warmly smile under this mask.”
It was common for weddings to be attended only by a couple and their officiants.
Still, their ceremonies were filled with love. Just look at Patrick Lombaert’s image, which shows a couple beaming with joy, despite not being able to celebrate with guests.
Some were able to celebrate in small groups.
One couple photographed by Anupa Shah was surrounded by family members both young and old on their wedding day.
Other weddings were held with numerous attendees.
And even when social distancing wasn’t happening, masks were on, as seen in this black-and-white image taken by Julien Laurent Georges.
Family members were still able to participate in classic wedding-day activities.
Photographer Courtland Wilson, for example, captured a young girl looking at a bride in awe while holding her dress train.
Some even took drastic precautions to make sure their celebrations were safe.
One man, as seen in Valter Antunes’ image, wore a plastic covering over his head and body while hugging a bride.
Couples got creative with their face masks and matched them to their outfits.
Angela Nelson used a black-and-white technique to photograph one couple who wore Mr. & Mrs. masks on their big day.
And even with their faces covered, you could still see the joy of those getting married.
Ufuk Sarisen captured this perfectly in an image that shows a bride and groom looking at each other lovingly with colorful wedding decor behind them.
Plastic dividers were used for some ceremonies.
As Miguel A. Padrón showed in his striking shot, one couple participated in a religious ceremony led by a priest who stood behind a see-through barrier.
Technology was also key to a lot of weddings throughout the pandemic.
Raymond Nguyen highlighted this in a photograph, showing a virtual audience using Zoom to watch a couple get married.
Some couples traveled to remote locations for their weddings.
Of course, they still made sure to wear their masks, even while standing on snow and ice, as seen in Nina Larsen’s photo.
Emotions were high as couples interacted with masked family members.
In Chengkai Lee’s photo, you can see a bride holding the hands of loved ones as they look at her with emotional faces.
But people were still able to let loose and dance the night away.
Of course, they did so from a distance, as seen in Daniela Ortiz’s photograph.
Hugs were often traded for elbow bumps.
Monica Capone captured six people doing so at once in her photo.
And in-person toasts were replaced by virtual cheers.
One couple and their dog celebrated above a beautiful nature scene as their loved ones cheered them on via FaceTime, as photographed by Brittany DiLiberto.
Masks weren’t all bad — they helped some people bundle up for their winter weddings.
In this monochromatic image from Nicodemo Luca Lucà, a bride is seen in a fur shawl, long veil, and a white mask as her family members and guests watch in their own cold-weather attire.
Wedding photographers were still able to take stunning portraits with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Kamal Kiran, for example, captured the beauty of a couple’s big day by showing their vibrant Indian wedding attire and blue face masks.
Other photographers took unprecedented measures to make sure all family members were included.
Ryan Greene photographed a bride, groom, their family members, and a cardboard cutout showing two people who couldn’t be there.
Pandemic weddings still proved to be beautiful despite the struggles.
As Jeff Cooke proved with his photograph, beauty can still be found during pandemic weddings, even when you have to smile underneath a mask.
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