Well, saying 2020 has “thrown us for a loop” is a huge understatement. Lately we’ve been wondering if this is like Back to the Future and someone went back in time and accidentally stepped on a butterfly, throwing the universe out of whack. Alright, that is dramatic. But how awesome would it be if we COULD go back in time and try and prevent this whole mess from happening?

Speaking from personal experience, it is easy to fall down into a black hole of negativity. So we wanted to have some FUN and do a little twist on our typical vendor interviews. We reached out to find out what some of our favorite event planners (yes, we are friends with other event planners) have been up to.

What have you been doing to keep busy during quarantine?

A common theme of responses was catching up on tasks that typically fall to the bottom of the priority list. Suddenly there is more time to take care of “tomorrow’s problems” that have piled up. Additionally, many of us are now stand in teachers, helping our kids through distance learning. And closest to our hearts, we are helping our clients navigate this roller coaster, assisting in rescheduling and working within health guidelines if they want to proceed with a wedding that will look much different than the original plan.

Covesa Gragg of Covesa Kelly Events has been busy doing “systems and process work, dusting the crevices in the room, spraying down house lighting fixtures. I finally changed ALL the smoke detector batteries! If anyone talks to me regularly they will laugh out loud about the smoke detectors. But the days that feel like doomsday to me I am baking cookies with lots of butter, playing frisbee with the dog, learning Hulu and Words with Friends has become a new pastime.“

A Charming Fete writes, “We have been very busy postponing events for clients (mostly April, May and June), realigning and rescheduling countless vendor partners and finding the best scenario "new wedding date". We've also been catching up with couples to make sure they are doing okay and getting through this difficult time. And continuing on with planning for fall and winter 2020 events. Oh yeah and we've also become full-time educators and doing our best to homeschool (I have 2 kids under 9 and Somer has 3 kids under 10). It's been insane, trying not to lose our minds! “

Jennifer of Heart2Heart Occasions is “still quite busy, just in a different way. We are working with couples on rescheduling, finding new vendors, reordering invites, etc. We are also tackling those “to-do items” that end up in the “when there is downtime” column. Like updating the website, working on revising forms, etc. Also, having 3 kids at home, all school aged, certainly doesn’t leave much room for needing to keep busy! HA!”

Jennifer Hartman of Heart 2 Heart Occasions

What has been the most fun part/least fun part of the quarantine?

We aren’t sure that anyone would describe living in quarantine as “fun”, but there have to at least be some fun aspects. If you aren’t laughing you’re crying, right?! Looks like lots of newfound skills in the kitchen!

Covesa Kelly Events: “Fun - maybe the extra baking but dassit and that's really not "fun". There's been nothing fun about this. I am a stay at home person, I'm used to solitude, but something about this just ain't it. I'm ready for some interaction again.”

A Charming Fete: “The best part has definitely been slowing down a bit, we haven't "hit the brakes" in so long and it feels good to stop for a minute and take a breath. We're so lucky and grateful to be able to enjoy this time at home with our kids and we're definitely trying to make the best of it! Also, lots of cooking and baking, yum! And we have been giving back to the community and doing lots of takeout through local restaurants and bakeries. I've also been exercising a ton now that I have the time and it helps with stress! C'mon warm weather, we're ready for you!”

Heart2Heart: “Helping with school work is my least favorite. I love my kids, but I am not a teacher. It’s really difficult for them to see me as the mom, the teacher, the counselor, the lunch lady, the best friend, etc. Too many hats. Favorite part is spending more time with the kids. Doing projects. Also, the feeling of helping couples when they need it the most. When they are the most scared and uncertain of the future. “

What have your clients needed the most during this time?

This is totally unprecedented for everyone in our industry. But it’s a completely different set of emotions for our clients having to postpone, cancel or drastically alter wedding plans. We wanted to know what 2020 engaged couples need most right now.

Covesa Kelly Events: “Support. Someone to answer their questions well so they can tell their families.”

A Charming Fete: “They need kindness, positivity and reassurance that everything will be okay even though some things may change (such as their wedding date). Their wedding will happen! Love will go on. Our brides have been so strong and calm and also very thankful that they have hired a planner. We are doing our best to help them navigate every situation. “

Heart2Heart: “#1 thing is reassurance. Not promises, but the knowledge they aren’t alone, and that I will be there for every step of the replanning process. “

Who are you quarantined with?

Families who quarantine together…

Covesa Kelly Events: “My mom and my dog!”

A Charming Fete: “With our immediate family (husband and kids) and pets of course!”

Heart2Heart: “Hubby, 3 kids, 2 dogs and 2 Guinea pigs. Literally a zoo.”

What do you miss most about weddings?

One thing we all have in common is how much we love weddings. It’s difficult to not know what the future will hold and when we will be able to plan a wedding (no matter where or how many guests) again. We all miss playing a part on such a huge day in someone’s life.

Covesa Kelly Events: “Honestly, the people. Just watching folks be human. I miss it.”

A Charming Fete: “The happiness of the couple and their family on the wedding day, tears of joy, the gorgeous details, seeing the whole vision come to life... and ahhhh the flowers!”

Heart2Heart: “It’s still early in the season, so we haven’t really missed much on the actual wedding front. But I miss the vendor meetings, and the couple meetings. We do lots of virtual meetings, but it’s just not the same.”

What is the FIRST thing you are doing once the quarantine is lifted?

We HAVE to ask this. It helps to have lots to look forward to when this is all over!

Covesa Kelly Events: “TACO TUESDAY!!!!!!”

A Charming Fete: “We want to see our friends and family again. Go to our favorite restaurants in person, go shopping! We miss our Fete team so much. We've been doing Zoom happy hour calls which are fun but it's time to get back together in person again. We are so grateful for all of their hard work during this crazy time. Also, I'd love to reschedule one of the vacations that were cancelled :( ughhhh I'm dying for the beach!”

Heart2Heart: “Go out to dinner. And get drinks.”

Thank you so much to these awesome ladies for being part of our interview! Reading your answers and seeing your photos was so fun! We hope everyone is keeping their spirits up while we ride the pandemic wave. Please reach out if you have questions or would like help rescheduling your wedding (or other event). We can’t wait for all of the amazing weddings - just imagining the EPIC parties that are going to take place brings a smile to our faces! :)