Kingston Wedding and Family Photographer | Sarah Rouleau Photography

What can I say about 2020 that hasn’t been said in the thousands of memes online? Life changed in so many ways. In some ways our lives were turned upside down. And in other ways our lives made an unexpected turn for the better. We all learned how to slow down, appreciate the small things, and focus on those closest to us. 

Weddings were not excluded from the changes that we all experienced this year.  They became smaller, more intimate, and even more joyous. The effort it took to plan and carry out a wedding in the middle of a pandemic compelled the couples to be even more appreciative of the union they were entering. It focused them on what is really important in life. 

This year’s weddings included only the most important people in the couple’s lives. They became more like a family dinner than a huge celebration.  They centered on the couple’s love for each other over the splashing affair. They were important, special and truly heartwarming.

I’m always truly honoured to be chosen to document the most special moments in someone’s life, and this year I appreciated this even more. When numbers had to be limited, I knew that I was taking the spot of a guest that wasn’t able to be included. And because so many important people had to be left off the guestlist, my job as a wedding photographer changed from merely documenting the moments of a wedding day to recording all the special moments for those that weren’t able to celebrate with the couple. I didn’t take the idea of this lightly. Of course, photos are important, but this year their importance seemed to be imperative.

I’m heartbroken for all of the couples that chose to postpone their weddings.  I can’t imagine how difficult or sad that decision was for everyone to make. Especially for those who had already been planning for years.  I have a feeling that 2021 weddings will look similar to weddings in 2020, but I’ve come to realize that this isn’t a negative thing.  As we’ve heard a million times… it’s our new normal. And I kinda like it!

Bring on 2021, changes and all and let’s make the best of it!!