Even a coronavirus pandemic wasn’t enough to stop one couple from tying to knot.
Reilly Jennings and Amanda Wheeler, from New York City, had planned to get married in October but with how crazy things were with the coronavirus pandemic, they decided to advance their schedule and get married immediately.
Jennings, 28, wrote in an Instagram post: “The reality of that happening in our current climate seemed slim. Amanda’s business closed and everything has just blown up.”
The fact that they got married on the streets of New York City, a ceremony officiated by their friend Matt Wilson, showed just how much the normal order of things has been upended.
“Amidst the uncertainty and despair we all feel right now, marrying the love of my life in the most NYC moment was perfect,” Jennings wrote.
The strange turn of events began on Thursday after Jennings and Wheeler, 38, had received their marriage license.
“We… were walking out the door to get hitched at the courthouse when the mayor announced the immediate closure of the marriage bureau,” Jennings explained. “After several hours of crying (& drinking), one of our dear friends @iknowmattwilson sent us a message saying he was ordained and could marry us through the state of NY.”
The couple didn’t need any further convincing and quickly wrapped up their work so that they could zip over to their friend’s apartment. Wilson officiated from his fourth story window and the couple is now married.
“The neighborhood looked on alongside 4 of our best friends @kktapper @harold_gibbons @joselynmujica (& @erikahenningsen through a car because #socialdistancing),” Jennings wrote while making it clear that they followed the CDC’s recommendation of keeping at least six feet apart from others.
Several photos and videos captured the sweet moment and Jennings shared them on Instagram. Jennings was in a white romper with sneakers while Wheeler had on a white V-neck shirt, black jacket, and dark jeans.
The “ceremony” itself was caught on video, including the point they said “I do” and were declared officially married, drawing cheers and applause from their friends nearby.
A photo of Wheeler dipping Jennings on the street was captioned with: “What a day. I’ve waited 4 years to call @wheelsfit my wife and this was all just the cherry on top of the love I feel every day.”
“The most perfectly New York moment amidst a crazy time,” Jennings added. “The magic of this city, our down AF friends, and most importantly @wheelsfit will never be lost on me. Also. Hire @iknowmattwilson for EVERY WEDDING EVER!”
Replaced!