Lauren Jimenez and Patrick Delgado have been planning their wedding for most of 2020.
The California couple has been together for four years and engaged since May 2019. Unfortunately, like countless lovebirds who hoped to tie the knot this year, the novel coronavirus pandemic got in the way of their plans.
Patrick and Lauren had already changed their wedding location, date, and guest list three times. Finally, they settled on November 20 and planned an intimate ceremony for their immediate family at Lauren’s mom’s home in Ontario, California.
They had added pressure to marry sooner rather than later. Their marriage license was due to expire, and with county offices closed, they had no idea when they would get another shot.
That’s when things went from bad to worse. Three days before the event, Lauren tested positive for COVID-19. Undeterred, the bride and groom brainstormed ways to make their big day work out while keeping Lauren socially distant. Luckily, they thought of a scene from “Tangled,” a favorite Disney movie, and decided they could pull it off!
Lauren sat in an upstairs window, while her groom, guests, and officiant stood on the ground below. They used a 30-foot flowered ribbon Lauren’s aunt had crafted to link them together and symbolize their “unity, love, and physical touch.”
The result was perfect! Wedding photographer Jessica Castellano captured their fairy-tale ceremony, calling it the “most 2020 wedding” she’s done. Despite the couple’s physical distance, she said you could feel the bond between them!
“I think the distance between them added way more magic to the wedding day,” she added. “Imagine telling your kids that you got married while one of you was quarantined, just because you could not wait to marry the love of your life.”
While the ceremony wasn’t what Lauren and Patrick had envisioned, they’re thrilled to finally start the rest of their lives together. Lauren said her new husband has been incredible throughout her diagnosis.
“I feel so lucky to have a partner who will support, love, and navigate through tough times,” she said. “If we can get through 2020, Patrick and I can get through anything.”
Not even quarantine could keep these lovebirds apart! They’re definitely testing out the “in sickness and in health” part of their vows on the early side. It just goes to show that we’re only limited by our imaginations when it comes to staying close during these strange times!
Share this story to wish Lauren and Patrick a lifetime of happy memories together.
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