Wedding vendors adjust to COVID-19 concerns

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

With so many things in limbo due to COVID-19 restrictions, brides-to-be are looking for all the help they can get.

Depending on their vendors has become a crucial part of their pandemic wedding-planning process.

North Versailles resident Jessica McKelvey, known as “DJ Jess,” performs at events in the Mon Valley, the Pittsburgh area and across the country and has worked to give area couples their dream wedding, restrictions and all.

“How haven’t I seen couples change their plans because of COVID-19? Everything has changed,” she said. “Obviously, there’s the postponements and cancellations. About 75% of my couples chose that route last year, and I’m seeing the same thing happen again this year.

“Many couples have a vision of what they want their day to look and feel like and do not want to adjust that dream.”

Many other couples have scaled back to a micro-wedding — either at a venue or a private residence — or move forward and have their day, adding in sanitary stations and masks.

Some decide to go virtual.

“I’ve also livestreamed a handful of weddings, which I love, and even had the opportunity to travel to Deep Creek to assist a couple with ceremony music and livestream,” McKelvey said.

It’s important, she added, for couples to know they are not in this alone.

“There are so many couples across the nation going through the same thing,” she said. “Reach out to other couples through Facebook groups; connect and support each other.

“Also, please know that entertainment can still be a part of your day, however you choose to do it. We can provide ceremony music only or adjust our skills to match the type of dream event you’re planning. You’ve got this, and I’m here to help you figure this out, whether I’m booked as your DJ or not.”

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