Virtual Wedding Benefits

Dan and Jen Willson share their experience pivoting from a traditional wedding to a virtual ceremony during the pandemic, highlighting unexpected benefits and broader reach of their celebration.

• Original Wedding Plan:

  • Small 50-person wedding in Jacksonville
  • Ceremony in a park
  • Reception at their favorite brewery

• Pivot to Virtual Format:

  • Made decision when guests started canceling
  • Focused on what mattered most - the two of them
  • Used Facebook Live for ceremony broadcast
  • FaceTime connection with officiant in Jacksonville

• Technical Preparation:

  • Conducted trial run days before
  • Secured reliable WiFi location
  • Used multiple devices (computer for Facebook, phone for FaceTime)
  • Chose morning time (11 AM) to avoid Florida heat
  • Selected appropriate backdrop for ceremony

• Unexpected Benefits of Virtual Format:

  • Reached broader audience than original plan
  • Included people who couldn't have traveled
  • Connected with coworkers and ex-coworkers
  • Neighborhood friends watched from safe distance
  • Created engaging pre-ceremony atmosphere with viewers posting selfies and cheering

• Advice for Other Couples:

  • Consider downsizing for near-term weddings
  • Virtual options viable for larger guest lists
  • Think about hybrid approach - small in-person/virtual broadcast
  • Plan for later celebration when restrictions lift
  • Focus on what matters most to the couple

• Community Engagement:

  • Created virtual event that encouraged participation
  • Viewers shared excitement through comments
  • Combined intimate ceremony with broad reach
  • Maintained personal connection despite distance