the one where I talk about the corona virus, COVID-19

Thinking a lot about COVID-19 lately? I mean how can you not? We hear about it everywhere. On our phones, the TV, in memes on social media…IT’s EVERYWHERE and we are trying to avoid it.

The CDC announced on Sunday their recommendations for organizers and event planners.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sunday recommended that no gatherings with 50 people or more take place for the next eight weeks to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The agency said these gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings and other types of assemblies.

Ugh. Recommends. I had to look that word up on dictionary.com to understand if I was going to be thrown in jail or not. I mean not me, but venue organizers and event planners. What exactly does RECOMMEND mean?

recommend

Pronunciation /ˌrekəˈmend/ /ˌrɛkəˈmɛnd/ 

TRANSITIVE VERB

[WITH OBJECT]

• 1Put forward (someone or something) with approval as being suitable for a particular purpose or role.

  ‘George had recommended some local architects’

  ‘a book I recommended to a friend of mine’

  More example sentences

  Synonyms

  1. 1.1Advise or suggest (something) as a course of action.‘some doctors recommend putting a board under the mattress with clause ‘the report recommended that criminal charges be brought’

  2. 1.2with object and infinitive Advise (someone) to do something.‘you are strongly recommended to seek professional advice’

  3. 1.3Make (someone or something) appealing or desirable.‘the house had much to recommend it’

  4. 2recommend someone/something to archaic Commend or entrust someone or something to (someone)

     ‘I devoutly recommended my spirit to its maker’
     

Folks, life is going to get hard. The last thing any bride wants to do is move her wedding day when her wedding is less than 2 months out. And by “recommending” you don’t. It’s a discussion between you and your family, your future spouse AND your wedding venue.

My heart hurts for these couples that are having to make choices. I’m very sorry.

So, I’m reaching out to you to let you know I realize how much planning goes into your wedding day and I want to thank you for choosing me, for honoring me, with the chance to document this special time in your life. It’s big. BIG. My business of documenting weddings supports me and my family and I pour my heart and energy into my couples and their wedding day. I want to kick ass and take names! I truly do! I love my job!!!

I know that there is a lot of uncertainty right now. Lots of confusion and rumors and craziness. I mean, really? Toilet paper? Hello!! I lost part of my badass to colon cancer and I’m not crazy buying the stuff! Chill out.

Please know that if you have any questions or concerns, or simply want to scream into the phone and have someone listen, I’m am here for you. Yes. That did happen today.

I AM HERE FOR YOU.

I’ve added all of you to my Rosary Prayer List. (check my Instagram stories under catholic life) I want you to know I’m fully committed to fulfilling your photography contracts whether or not there are ANY ADJUSTMENTS. You know, venue changes, number of guests or even possible postponements.

I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Thank you for not making rash decisions, but if you do, PLEASE CALL ME TO PHOTOGRAPH IT. (Kind of only teasing.) I know that adapting to this recommendation isn’t easy. Ultimately what matters the most is you two commit to each other forever. You get married. The love of your life! I’m here to help you brainstorm options, create alternative plans and/or making sure your events go as planned. Maybe even throw a few safety and health tips to you along the way. I may have been googling black hazmat suits, just in case.

I’m still operating my photography business as usual, with weddings thus far taking place as planned. I’m taking the necessary precautions to make sure I stay healthy and safe in the meantime, so I can be there for you at your event. I think they call this social distancing, even though I’ve been on social media way more than usual lately.

Know that I’m thinking of you. My heart hurts for you having to deal with this.

I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Love does,

Kristin