The last wedding that Logan Square-based photographer Allison Williams photographed was in early February. That was before the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the city — no one wore masks or gloves, people sat next to each other.
But matrimonial celebrations — in-person ones, at least — have not fared well during the coronavirus pandemic, as social distancing efforts have put large gatherings on hold. Some couples have opted to conduct ceremonies virtually, or to just tie the knot with few witnesses.
That poses a problem for Williams. She charges $3,000 to $5,000 per wedding, and about 80% of her business is wedding photography. She does corporate and nonprofit work as well, but she said that has also dried up.
“You’re photographing people, you know?” she said. “That’s not happening right now.”
Eleven of Williams’ clients have postponed their weddings due to the outbreak, and she’s expecting that number to keep climbing.
Williams, 36, has been doing online workshops to keep up her skills, and honing her business plan. She applied for a $10,000 COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration in early April, but hasn’t heard back. She has been living off her savings, and needs to keep some of her wedding business alive, even during the stay-at-home order.
Simply postponing a wedding is an obvious solution for a couple, but Williams said she’s working with clients on other options.
“A lot of people are like, ‘OK, we’ll just do it next year,'” she said. “But, you know, for me, I would normally have a whole new batch of clients next year.”
Williams is suggesting that couples keep their original wedding date and opt for an intimate ceremony with just her and the officiant.
“We already have a date booked. Let’s do something with that, because that was so important to you,” she said. “Then we can pivot and have a party at a different date and work with our schedules to see what works best.”
So far, three couples have decided on that option.
The first such event is planned for June. Williams said she’s still sorting out specifics but envisions a small ceremony on a couple’s front porch, or some other location that has meaning.
Some couples might choose to have Williams photograph the intimate ceremony instead of doing an engagement photo shoot. Then if they plan a reception in months to come, Williams would take photos at the event just like she would have at their wedding.
“It’s on a case-by-case basis at the moment,” she said. “I want to make sure people are having these moments documented.”
Twitter @AllyMarotti
Editor’s note: The coronavirus pandemic is forcing Chicago-area companies and workers to face harsh realities about their paychecks and their place in the local economy. The Tribune is reaching out to hear, and share, their stories.
