Iyabo’s Story

I was planning my wedding when the pandemic hit. My then fiancé Neil and I were looking forward to a beautiful wedding in the English countryside in May 2020. Invitations had been sent out. We had paid thousands of dollars in deposits to the wedding venue, the vendors, for my dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the cake,and so on. But unfortunately, we had to cancel everything, and we lost all the money. It was extremely disappointing.

In the midst of uncertainties come unexpected blessings, and the best beauty in life can emerge during the darkest times.

But, my fiancé and I quickly realized the situation was beyond our control. We recalibrated, and started to think of alternatives. We immediately started toying with the idea of a Zoom wedding!! We could get married at home and invite our guests to join us on Zoom!! Yes! Brilliant idea, we thought. We started planning an outdoor Zoom wedding in our courtyard. On April 17th, 2020, I got married to the love of my life in the presence of my two daughters, my two step-sons, and our church pastor. It was a gorgeous, sunny, and cool spring day.

Our neighborhood is a closely-knit townhome community in Atlanta, Georgia, and some of our neighbors watched from their windows, patios, and from the alleyway. About 90 of our family and friends from all over the world attended virtually on Zoom! It was such a beautiful day, and Neil and I were so happy!

This pandemic has certainly confirmed to me that my mind and spirit are strong enough to handle disappointments. In the midst of uncertainties come unexpected blessings, and the best beauty in life can emerge during the darkest times.

Once we are on the other side of this experience, I think I will be able to say that my life is better than it already was!

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