COLUMBUS (WCMH) – Many big events have been canceled because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
But one Columbus couple isn’t letting it stop them from celebrating their special day, just a little bit differently.
Of course, this isn’t what the happy couple originally planned for, but they are making the best of it.
Kristen and Jacob Roby just got married on their front porch.
To make sure everyone was social distancing during the ceremony, they put out signs in the yard for the immediate family that’s here.
They told neighbors about it, so they’re gathering in their yards to watch too.
They’re doing everything they can to make sure today is still special.
The Robys were supposed to get married Saturday downtown, but COVID-19 had different plans.
Kristen’s wedding dress is locked up at the store, so she got a different dress for today.
They also just moved to their home and a neighbor they hadn’t even met yet dropped off a card for them.
It hasn’t been easy for them since they found out their wedding day wasn’t going to be what they originally hoped for, but they couldn’t just let this day come and go without doing anything.
“I don’t think I will ever forget this day for so many reasons,” said Kristen Roby. “It’s very unique that, like, we’ve hung out all day, which we didn’t have planned but we haven’t seen anyone, seen any of our family, haven’t been with my girlfriends, had to do my own nails, my own hair.”
Instead of walking down the aisle, Kristen’s father walked her out of the garage. Instead of crowded seats, only immediate family and close friends had spots, measured out for social distancing. There was no crowded dance floor but there was still a father-daughter dance.
“Although this wedding was not the one I envisioned or even had planned down to all the special details, it’s perfect in its own way,” said Kristen Roby.
It certainly isn’t the first obstacle they’ve have gotten over, either. Less than a week after meeting each other, Kristen and her mom were hit by a car.
“I’m sure spending our third date in the hospital is not something either of us could have imagined having a good outcome,” said Jacob Roby.
But it did. Jacob’s first time meeting Kristen’s parents was at the hospital. The relationship has only grown from there.
“I vow to be more than just a husband,” Jacob Roby said.
“Finally, for a moment, it was just about us and our family even with everything going on around us,” Kristen said.
After all they know the wedding isn’t about the crowd or the venue. It’s about the couple and their love for each other.
“Falling in love with you has been the easiest part of my entire life,” Kristen Roby said. “Though we’ve been through more obstacles than most couples would face in their first year together, everything was always gonna be OK because we had each other.”
“We’re trying to put a little bit of normalcy in life right now, kind of continue with life as we expected it to go,” Jacob Roby added. “We’re trying not to get too wrapped up in everything that’s going on and still push forward, but in a safe manner.”
Now they do plan to have a bigger celebration once it’s safe to do so but they are still incredibly excited about today.
