THE BRIDES ARE BACK

Early wedding planning is crucial right now

Story by Shannon Serpette

IIn 2020 and part of 2021, brides postponed their weddings in record numbers. They watched as the worldwide Covid pandemic crushed their hopes of a dream wedding and completely obliterated all the planning they had already put into their big day. Venues closed temporarily, and long engagements became the norm. Thanks in part to the Covid vaccine, the wedding industry has come roaring back in 2021 and looks to be equally strong for 2022. While that’s great news for eager brides-to-be, it also presents its own set of challenges while planning a wedding – everything is nearly booked for the foreseeable future. Sydney Rothchild of Ottawa, who is planning a November 2022 wedding to her fiancé Jordan Hubinsky, is learning firsthand how stressful wedding planning can be right now. But she’s also keeping in mind that it’s a oncein-a-lifetime situation, so she’s enjoying herself despite the stress. But she does have one piece of advice for anyone at any phase of wedding planning right now.

Above: Larissa Goodyear of Streator purchased her wedding dress at Marien Mae Bridal Boutique in LaSalle.

Left: Daniel and Larissa Goodyear were married at St. Michael The Archangel Church in Streator, the church Larissa grew up attending and dreamed of someday having her wedding in.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS/RHONDA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY