Minimony at The College of William & Mary on July 11, 2020.
The Knot recently published an educational article on the difference between MICROWEDDINGS, MINIMONIES, AND ELOPEMENTS. Microweddings are 50 people or less and include a reception with catering. Minimonies are "mini" ceremonies for very small groups (typically immediate family) and do not include a reception. An Elopement is when the couple ties the knot with an officiant, a photographer/videographer, and maybe a few family members or friends as witnesses. Minimonies and Elopements are similar in that you save a bundle on catering. But Minimonies typically happen at traditional wedding locations like a professional venue or a church. Elopements happen in backyards, courthouses, and public spaces. Traditionally, Elopements imply secrecy, but that definition has evolved over the years according to The Knot.
The health crisis of 2020 has played havoc with the wedding industry. Venues, DJs, and caterers have been hit hard. With fewer people attending "COVID-era weddings," photography and videography are even more important. Historically, photography is a must at weddings, and videography has been considered a luxury by many. However, with key relatives and friends missing out on the weddings themselves, videography is now a "must."
Reagan Studios filmed our first Elopement of the pandemic on April 20, 2020...a private backyard waterfront ceremony on a secluded beach at a friend's house:
Katie and Dan moved their big wedding celebration to the fall, but decided to not delay their nuptials. Make sure to watch this video and see what happens as he carries her into the water! Click HERE to see their magical intimate wedding including their spoken vows. We filmed their "We Do Redo" in Sept. 2020 at the Outer Banks. As a surprise to their guests, their ceremony turned into the best surprise gender reveal we have ever seen. Click HERE to see this remarkable event.
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Our first Microwedding of 2020 was June 13, 2020 at Amber Grove:
Desteney and RJ's day started out like a typical wedding with prep time (hair and make-up) at their venue. The ceremony of just under 50 people was outdoors and the guests practiced safe pandemic protocol. The reception that followed was at the couple's home and was even more intimate. Their wedding highlight reel ended-up looking pretty much like a large wedding video - as all the elements of a standard wedding were present. Click HERE to see their highlight reel. Still photos by John Malkowski.
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"I feel like if we can get through planning this crazy COVID wedding, then we can get through anything." -- Jamie Reyes, bride 2020. That quote sums up 2020 pretty well. Couples proceeding with their weddings are warriors! With the rules changing weekly, it takes courage and determination to proceed.
Jamie and Justin rescheduled their May wedding to August. And then just before their wedding, the Governor changed the rules from 250 guests to a maximum of 50 in their area, Virginia Beach. They reduced their headcount and moved forward. As a surprise to the groom, the bride made a special video with clips from many family members and friends who could not attend. Click HERE to view.
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Reagan Studios filmed two Minimonies in the spring of 2020. Kira and Talon were married on the water at Yorktown Beach and elected to film their prep time at a nearby hotel as well. The small gathering was family-only and we enjoyed a brief photo & video shoot immediately afterward:
Kira and Talon braved a precarious climb for some key shots, and she even went in the water at the end of the evening. Click HERE to see their main highlight reel. To see the still photos by Mason Murawski, click HERE.
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Our second Minimony took place in the Wren Building at The College of William & Mary:
Morgan and Justin gathered at the Wren Building on the Campus of William & Mary just an hour before their 15-minute ceremony. Prep shots and their "first look" happened in the Great Hall. Even their ceremony took place in the Great Hall and not the chapel on the other side of the building. With only immediate family in attendance, we concluded the evening with a photo & video shoot on campus surrounded by ancient trees and historic brick sidewalks. Still photos by Lindsey Lyons.
To learn more about how Reagan Studios can help you remember your small gathering in a big way, drop us a line HERE. To learn about our wedding videography packages and to see more samples, click HERE. To view our YouTube channel, click HERE.
