Love in a Time of Quarantine

In the beginning of June, JVE asked me to marry him.

During one of our weekend runs around our neighborhood, JVE and I turned a corner to find all three of the kids and the dogs waiting. It was confusing because 1: it was slightly after 9am and the teenager was out of bed 2: they were all together and they never do things all together without being threatened.

We had a good pace going and it didn't occur to me something was up and I wanted to keep my split going. Even when I saw JVE start to slow down, I still hesitated (it was a 5 mile day and I was jammin' out to Hanson). It wasn't until the ring came out and he was on one knee that I finally got it. So I sat in the middle of the street and cried and cried and cried and finally said yes.

We told family and friends, but with the pandemic....we were unclear on when to start planning and what that would look like. Two friends of mine that had Summer and Fall weddings that they postponed. Eventually, we decided on October 2021 in Palm Springs, CA.

But...everything was still...just so uncertain.

Along the way, we decided on the courthouse (taxes and open enrollment - the sexiest decision).

The county clerk agreed to let the kids be our witnesses, which was the most important thing. Then...when it came to a reception...we were stumped. We are in the middle of a pandemic, social distancing is required...but, we also knew many of our friends and family would show up to our home regardless (masked of course). JVE's mom graciously opened up her backyard to us....a beautiful three tiered paradise in Santa Cruz. We decided on tacos and an open house format that allowed people to come as they were able to and leave when they wanted to. Masks were non-negotiable. We found the first available date on the county court side for a Friday, booked it and that was that. We were gettin' hitched. #Romance

Beyond tacos, donuts and a solid 90's pop playlist...we had not thought too much more about what we wanted for this gathering. It wasn't until my darling friends reached out to offer to plan/host...that it really took shape.

Bri and Alii throw the most enchanting, sumptuous and whimsical events. From their Moroccan style joint birthday party (complete with dancers and a hookah lounge), the annual Holiday party and their own weddings....they are hyper organized and inspired.

Gladly, I gave up the planning - so when we walked into our reception....we had zero clue what to expect. I sat on the ground and cried and cried and cried and it was perfect.

Our ceremony at the courthouse was perfect and intimate. I couldn't wait to be JVE's wife. I loved that the sweet teen was able to sign our license. I loved that nothing was stressful, that it was thoughtful and relaxed....which is our relationship style.

Showing up to the reception, I knew it would be beautiful....but I had not idea how wonderful. With a nod to Palm Springs, my new Mother-In-Law's backyard was transformed into an oasis of citrus, monstera leaves, earthy textiles and golden snakes. All the food from Mijos Taqueria was individually wrapped and portioned out to avoid sharing, the margaritas were pre-portioned into mason jars to avoid people from using the same carafe and all the drinks and treats were separated to ensure safety.

Friends and family showed, ate and drank and pretended there wasn't a global crisis happening outside our bubble. We were so happy to see those that love and support us.

Little surprises, like a first dance, kept us on our toes. Koosh Saxena - a brilliant recording artist and Bri's husband - created an arraignment of You and Me by SOJA, a song that means so much to us.

It meant the world to us to share some of our happiness with our family and friends - to see those that came out...even in a weird and quite frankly a risky time.

With the world still on fire and no real end in sight for COVID-19, we still hope for something that can be done on a grander scale in 2021....but if our quarantine celebration is the only one, then we are happy. Because at the end of the day it is about JVE, me and the kids - and our family becoming official. Nothing will ever top that.

Here is a look at the incredible details from Bri and Alii