Thoughts From A Mid-Pandemic Bride

THOUGHTS FROM A
MID-PANDEMIC BRIDE

Written by Kristhea P Jennings // originally published on medium.com

Having to plan a wedding in the middle of the pandemic was quite a “time-capsule” experience...

The possibility of catching the virus, the uncertainty of lockdowns, the heartbreak of not seeing our families who are all overseas — these were all encapsulated into one big ball of mental dilemma.

If we are baring our souls here, wedding planning wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns for me. However, on the other side of the spectrum, I cherish other wonderful memories, and that includes my journey of finding the dress.

The Dilemma

With Covid-19 resurging in New Zealand last year, we had to re-calibrate our plans. In order to not put ourselves and loved ones at risk, we decided to elope. Scaling down meant we had to rethink what was essential. And since we are having a private ceremony with just the two of us, it did not make sense to pay an arm and a leg for a dress I will probably not wear again.

This leads me to my other predicament: if my partner gets to re-use his suit, why can’t I do the same? His attire being more sustainable and with a longer life-cycle than mine made me look for other bridal options.

The Nemo Bridal Experience

I scoured the Internet for dressmakers in Auckland. Supposedly, there are many shops that offer bridal rental, but I find this to be the opposite and not accessible at the time. I found one or two shops that either do bespoke or rental. One place charged as if I was to buy a brand new wedding dress, whereas other places asked that I come in for a face-to-face consultation, which was a challenge during last year’s restrictions.

Then I found out about Nemo Workroom. A flick of an email to the team inquiring about made-to- measure service started the journey. Right from the get go, I knew I made the right decision of going bespoke and renting with them. When I mentioned accessibility earlier, Nemo Bridal made things possible for me even though I was stuck at home. Apart from their virtual bridal appointment, I was also able to browse most of their hire items online, making it easy for me to navigate and plan my options.

Trudy Munro, Nemo’s founder, had a few looks lined up during our first virtual meeting, all of which were based on the photo inspiration I sent her after a few email exchanges. During the Zoom consultation, we found the skirt and the top that I wanted to wear. We tweaked a few details and added a few personal touches to the blouse that we modelled the look from, while still sticking to my goal budget. The design process was a breeze.

“...as soon as I stepped into the Nemo Store in Frankton, Trudy was there to welcome me with her warmth and enthusiasm. I was sensing fairy godmother vibes in real life, which helped calm my nerves.”

— Kristhea Jennings, 2022

The other tasks were choosing the materials and virtual fittings. Trudy sent me some samples via post so I can get a feel of them. A few months later, Trudy did the same with my half-done blouse so I could try the fit before the ladies at Nemo Bridal do their magic, and complete my top for final sewing.

Seeing my bridal blouse for the first time and getting the sewing kit was probably one of my favourite parts of the process. It was unique and fun, but above all, it made the experience very personal because I was involved every step of the way. The happy anticipation of receiving sample fabrics and of seeing my blouse was such a lovely distraction while we were still in lockdown.

The only photo I have from the first and last outfit fitting, taken the day before my wedding. I had to let my mum know, who is in the Philippines, that my wedding dress is sorted. :)

‘“Hello, We Meet Again!”’

I was scheduled to collect my outfit one day before my wedding. I remember my emotions and thoughts were running high that day.

Two things were a standout: I was worried I might not like my bridal look or Omicron could cause us to go into isolation. Not to mention I had this recurring nightmare where my wedding blouse got lost in the mail and never arrived in Queenstown.

However, as soon as I stepped into the Nemo Store in Frankton, Trudy was there to welcome me with her warmth and enthusiasm. I was sensing fairy godmother vibes in real life, which helped calm my nerves.

Now this may sound very anticlimactic, but as soon as I put my blouse and rental skirt on, I did not have a pinch me / ecstatic moment like how people describe their “Yes to the Dress!” moment. Rather, mine was a combination of relief and pure joy out of gratitude — perhaps at the realisation that my dress is here and it is tangible.

If I am to describe it now, it was like meeting a friend that I haven’t seen in a very long time. My defining moment with my dress was more like a reunion. Reconnecting with my blouse now in full life was a strange, wonderful feeling.

My goal here is to let you know that you have options, and it is possible to plan for a sustainable wedding outfit.

Since getting married in February, my view about wedding gowns has taken a 180-degree turn. I am glad I chose to do it the way I wanted to. Whenever people say wonderful words about my dress, I am always quick to say “my skirt is a rental!” It gives me joy to open up why I chose to rent, and it usually leads to a discussion about conscious buying.

I learned how to be even more intentional, and I think intention is important when it comes to the decisions we make as consumers. My goal was to get a blouse that I can wear again. Perhaps a reason for fancy anniversary dinner dates? Yes. Or when we can finally plan a celebration with family and friends overseas, trust that this top will be re-worn to extend its life cycle.

I know I am throwing in buzz words here, but it is worth having the opportunity for a conversation- whether it is in the wedding space or elsewhere. Post pandemic (can we say that now?) is a good time to challenge what we consider traditional when it comes to bridal dress shopping. I wish for bridal rentals to be more accessible and talked about as an option.

Photo Copyright: Kellie Francis Photography (Wedding and Elopement Photographer. Queenstown, New Zealand)

I will close this by highlighting the importance of picking the right team for your special day.

Choose people who understand and share your vision and intention. After all, the choices we make will always show what we value, and I feel that this is magnified when planning a wedding.

I thank Trudy and the Nemo Workroom team for this meaningful process. It is truly one of the fondest memories when I was planning our elopement. They have given me a bridal experience in a different form — far from ‘usual’ but still beautiful and worth reminiscing.

Indeed, getting married mid-pandemic is a time-capsule moment.