COVID-19 & Nigerian Weddings & more wedding news

March 2020 was filled with wedding postponements and/or cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s spreading throughout the world. We’re joining a lot of wedding professionals by encouraging couples to postpone and not cancel to save the events industry.

As we go through last month’s wedding news, we hope the second half of 2020 brings an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and that we get back to wedding and events season again. Here’s a lowdown on all the wedding news you may have missed last month

To curb the spread of COVID19 and flatten the curve, governments across the world have have announced various versions of lockdowns, most of which prohibit social events such as weddings. UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced strict measures on the 28th of March, 2020.

The Lagos state government also announced further measures e.g. restricting any public gathering to 25 people (reduced from 50) in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

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Owing to the daily rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lagos, we have taken more restrictive measures to break the cycle of transmission of the disease. Directives have therefore been given to all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities to close down for the next seven days with effect from Thursday, March 26. Further measures to curb this epidemic include, the restriction of any public gathering from 50 people to 25 people. Other public places expected to shut down from Thursday include, Public Parks (including those in private estates), swimming pools, gyms, beauty salons and other similar places of assembly. These directives do not affect all pharmacy shops, as well as markets trading in essential life commodities and foodstuff. However, eateries and restaurants must not accept eat-in customers, they are to sell food in takeaway packs. The Lagos Government will not relent in ensuring strict compliance with these directives, as law enforcement agencies have been given clear orders to deal with recalcitrant offenders. We are aware that these directives issued have wide ranging effects on the fundamental human right to free movement, however the constitution never envisaged the coronavirus pandemic, hence this calls for us to invoke the doctrine of necessity, to allow us roll out these restrictive measures to protect and secure the lives of Lagosians. In line with Federal Government's guidelines, I urge inter-state commuters, either by air or road to refrain from travelling within this period, until the worst of this crisis is behind us. To increase the state’s capacity to contain this epidemic, we will be opening seven additional isolation centres across the state, as well as establishing two quarantine facilities in Gbagada General Hospital and Onikan Health Centre. Lagos has always shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of many challenges, and this differentiates us as a people. Whilst we are hopeful that these guidelines pay off in getting rid of the ravaging epidemic, I am assured that we will win this battle with your support and most importantly, by the special grace of the Almighty God,this too shall pass

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New-York based couple, Robyn Macy and Andrew Berkovits were meant to get married on the 21st of March but due to COVID-19 restrictions, they opted for a much simpler Grey’s Anatomy inspired ceremony. Robyn shared; “Yesterday was supposed to be our big wedding. Even the tiny 20 person plan b wedding had to be put on hold. ⁣Instead, we exchanged vows and rings and wrote our own marriage contract on a post-it (greys anatomy style).⁣ We want to thank everyone who has showered us in love and support. Can’t wait to party with you all later in the summer! we exchanged vows and rings and wrote our own marriage contract on a post-it (greys anatomy style).⁣”


⁣On the other hand, wedding experts and vendors have been really creative and supportive to clients through this difficult time. The internet has been filled with free advice, tips, offers of consultation sessions with any bride or groom who might be struggling at this time. We hosted a COVID-19 wedding special Q&A session with a number of top vendors including Bankysu Events, The Wedding TV and many others. Catch up if you missed it

Speaking of vendors being creative; South Florida based photographer, Kareem ‘Reem’ Virgo of Reem Photography is offering free virtual mini photography sessions for couples via Facetime. The 5-10 minutes photoshoot sessions are perfect for couples who had their prewedding sessions scheduled prior to COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines.

Haute couture bridal & evening wear brand, Ese Azenabor Atelier has embarked on a truly worthy mission to provide face masks to hospitals and clinics. Ese and her team successfully created 1000 masks in under two weeks, which were donated to local hospitals in the DFW area. The reusable masks consist of 3 layers of 100% breathable cotton, a filter in the middle, and a pocket where hospital-grade filters can be inserted for even better protection.

Ese is now raising funds with the goal of producing up to 10,000 masks, which will be donated to hospitals locally and nationally in dire need of protective gear. Please donate here if you can.

Lonita

Eguolo Anita Etefe is a wedding and travel enthusiast

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