Lovely Ravens Roost Wedding During Coronavirus

Some couples desire a small, intimate wedding with just a few family and friends. Today’s story is that of a couple whose wedding date was already in a bit of flux. Having a baby on the way encouraged them to move it up a bit. Their Ravens Roost wedding has stunning views, lovely florals, and – of course – love.

Lovely Ravens Roost Wedding

Preston and Karissa had plans to get married later in 2020, yet having a baby on the way caused them to want to move it up a bit. Enter Coronavirus and a few other changes in plans. Although their wedding was smaller than planned, they were still in the middle of planning when COVID-19 hit.

Even with impending closures, they secured a marriage license and put together a selection of vendors to make their day beautiful. Hear what Karissa said about their plans.

Why did you decide to go ahead with your wedding?

My husband and I were engaged and planning on getting married sometime in 2020. We thought about late spring/early fall. Then I found out in February that I was pregnant! With the baby coming a little sooner than planned, we decided to move our wedding date up.

As the virus spread my husband actually suggested moving the date. We realized if we didn’t get married quickly, we didn’t know when we would actually get married. There was no way to have an idea of how long it would take for things to get back to normal! We love each other, and we wanted to get married. We didn’t want to wait.

Raven's Roost Wedding During Coronavirus | Hill City Bride Virginia Weddings

Despite closures, Karissa was able to purchase a gown and have it altered in time for her Ravens Roost wedding.

What precautions did you take with your wedding?

There were less than 10 people at the wedding. My best friend is also pregnant and she came so she took extra precautions and stayed at a distance from us.

What were the pros and cons of having a small wedding?

I actually was never a person who dreamed of a big wedding. I always wanted something small and meaningful, intimate with just the people who really know us – and inexpensive. It was my thought that I’d rather have a small wedding but have an awesome honeymoon! Keeping it smaller definitely takes a lot of the stress off, too. Less planning = less stress.

As far as cons, some of our family couldn’t come which was really upsetting, and we also had to speed up our timeline for when we wanted to get married.

Raven's Roost Wedding During Coronavirus | Hill City Bride Virginia Weddings

Their pup was able to take part in the festivities of their Ravens Roost wedding.

Did you personally learn anything by having to alter your plans?

I learned a lot! We saved a ton of money and learned that we don’t need a lot. In short, it really helped me focus on what really matters. What do I really need, and what are the top things I really want? It ended up that we needed our certificate, something to wear, an officiant, etc.

We still had an amazing, meaningful wedding full of love which is what really matters. I guess it helped me focus on the things that really matter. It seems like this entire experience being on lockdown and all of these things, it’s made me realize what is really important and what we really need.

What are you doing about a honeymoon?

After the wedding, we had an amazing two-night stay at a super cute cabin. As far as our honeymoon, we aren’t exactly sure since we don’t know when it will be okay to leave and travel, but we are hoping to have a honeymoon before the baby comes.

My husband loves the mountains and I love the beach, so we wanted to do a little of both with the mountain ceremony and a beachy honeymoon! We have some time to plan a honeymoon.

Take a peek at their Ravens Roost wedding!

Beautiful views are in store for anyone who goes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s the perfect place for a small, intimate ceremony or elopement. Enjoy!

Raven's Roost Wedding During Coronavirus | Hill City Bride Virginia Weddings