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From New Zealand to Bakerview Park, B.C. couple weds in BԪַbackyardBԪַ

Twice scaled-down wedding BԪַproof that good things still happen during bad timesBԪַ
23461789_web1_BakerviewParkWedding-02
After twice have their wedding plans altered due to COVID-19 restrictions, Suzanne Schmidt and Andrew Sturgess got married in Bakerview Park last weekend, with the only guests being their two daughters, Zoey and Tessa. (Darren Ripka photo)

After their wedding plans were altered not once, but twice, by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a Surrey couple decided the best solution was to keep it simple, so they decided to get married at home.

Or close to home, at least.

Last weekend, Suzanne Schmidt and Andrew Sturgess tied the knot in South SurreyBԪַs Bakerview Park, with no guests present aside from their two daughters BԪַ Zoey, 6 and Tessa, 2 BԪַ an officiant, a photographer and, Schmidt noted, BԪַsome neighbours we have become close withBԪַ watching from their own windows and patios.

BԪַWe decided on Bakerview Park because it is actually our backyard,BԪַ Schmidt explained.

BԪַOur condo backs right into the park and we live on the ground floor. It meant that although much of our family and friends couldnBԪַt be present, our neighbours who we have become close with over the pandemic could join in our celebration from their balconies.BԪַ

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Originally, they planned to get married in New Zealand BԪַ where Sturgess is from, and where the pair met nine years ago BԪַ in front of 90 friends and family members. However, when COVID-19 restrictions limited travel and gatherings they adjusted on the fly and decided on a local wedding, in South SurreyBԪַs Redwood Park, which was to be attended by 14 physically-distanced guests.

But plans changed again when the newest set of public-health measures was announced, as the province BԪַ the Fraser Health region in particular BԪַ fights through a second wave of the virus that has seen positive test numbers skyrocket in recent weeks.

BԪַOut of respect, we decided to just elope in our backyard,BԪַ Schmidt said, noting that the scaled-down event meant that her brother and his fiancee, who is a nurse, stayed home in Nelson.

Schmidt noted that the smaller ceremony meant a lot her because it was something she and her new husband were able to share with their daughters.

BԪַWeBԪַve had a few bumps along the road, and having kids first wasnBԪַt the plan, but we were so thrilled to get married with our girls present, when our family felt complete,BԪַ she said.

BԪַIt meant that much more to have them there.BԪַ

And while a raucous celebratory reception may not have followed the Bakerview Park wedding, a celebration of the nuptials did take place on the other side of the world, as family in Auckland held a reception in their honour, and connected with the couple virtually.

BԪַTheir level of lockdown is much more relaxed and they are still able to gather. It wasnBԪַt like being there in person, but it was so wonderful to still see our family in Auckland,BԪַ Schmidt said.

Despite the logistical hurdles they had to overcome en route to finally saying BԪַI do,BԪַ in the middle of a pandemic, Schmidt said their wedding was BԪַproof that good things still happen during bad times.BԪַ



editorial@peacearchnews.com

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23461789_web1_BakerviewParkWedding-03
After twice have their wedding plans altered due to COVID-19 restrictions, Suzanne Schmidt and Andrew Sturgess got married in Bakerview Park last weekend, with the only guests being their two daughters, Zoey and Tessa. (Darren Ripka photo)




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