Wedding Day Program

The Prelude

Erica & Jacob originally planned to wed in an intimate family ceremony on May 15, 2020, in the small town where Jacob grew up, Shelbyville, IL. Their marriage ceremony was to be followed by several celebratory events with family & friends across the U.S. and Montego Bay, Jamaica. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had other plans for all of us. The hardest things about having to delay the wedding, was not being able to give Jake’s Nana a moment she was very much looking forward to — her grandson getting married to Erica. As COVID showed no sign letting up, it became clear that their hopes of getting to Nana, while keeping her and their family safe, was going to be impossible. As Nana’s health began to decline, Erica & Jake knew they has to figure something out — quickly! Hence the idea of their virtual wedding was born.

In less than two months, they made it happen! Thanks to California COVID-related executive orders, Erica & Jacob were still able to have Jacob’s father officiate, virtually from Illinois. And their family & friends were so gracious and supportive — they celebrated their creativity, relished in the money they were saving on travel accommodations, and expressed how connected they felt to one another, even across global airwaves. Erica, especially, was incredibly relieved by their kind words.

On Friday, October 23 2020, at 2pm Pacific, Jacob & Erica kicked off their virtual Zoom wedding from the comforts of their San Francisco apartment — just the two of them and a photographer. It was a magical day, full silly dancing to surprise musical guests, beautiful stories from family & friends, and of course, sappy LOVE!