Adapting To The New Normal - The Effect The Covid-19 Pandemic Had On My Friend's Civil Wedding Ceremony

in BDCommunity3 years ago

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I had returned back home from the workshop and was feeling exhausted from the activities of the day. I was still undergoing vocational training during this period. I went over to greet my friend on the balcony after dropping my tools in my apartment. She is a close friend of mine who also doubles as my neighbour. We exchanged pleasantries and asked about each other's welfare. Afterwards, we engaged in conversations about a wide range of topics. One of such topics was her upcoming civil wedding that was to be held at the Federal Marriage Registry, Ministry of Interior, Ikoyi, Lagos.


My friend was concerned about the strict covid-19 safety measures adhered to by officials of the Marriage Registry when she and her husband attended their counselling session at the registry. She stated this as our conversation continued. She told me about how guests of couples were barred from going into the premises of the registry in adherence to the covid-19 safety measures. From my bestie's observation couples were permitted to have two witnesses each for the ceremony. Other guests could only come in for photo sessions with newly-wedded couples. I tried to allay her worries about this development but also realised that the safety measures being observed was for everyone's benefit. My friend also concurred but wished the situation of things were different, that is the covid-19 pandemic never occurred. It's outbreak has affected humanity adversely!

The day of the civil wedding finally arrived. We were ready and waited for her uncle to come pick us up. He was to convey us to the venue with his car. After his arrival we set out for the registry. My friend assigned the task of picking up food for her guests to me. She had placed an order in advance from a restaurant on the Island. I alighted from the vehicle when we got to Onikan and headed to the restaurant.

I got to the restaurant, picked up the food and proceeded to the registry. I alighted from the bus I had boarded in Obalende at Falomo. Thereafter, I boarded an okada(motorbike) to the registry. I was surprised as I approached the entrance of the registry to see a lot of people there. Then I realised that it was to be expected, after all my bestie had told me about her experience at the Registry earlier.

I got to see my bestie's uncle after getting off the okada. He told me that officials of the registry did not let guests of couples into the premises. Social distancing had to be observed. Couples were entitled to two witnesses each for the ceremony. It was a laudable course of action but on the flip side dampened the ambience of the event. My friend's uncle led me to where his car was parked and also assisted me to carry some of the food with me. He had parked his car in the parking lot of a big restaurant that was a stone throw away from the registry. Members of bothy bestie and her husband's family were also patiently seated and waiting at the parking lot. Other guests also waited in the lot too. We waited to be called in after the couple had been married by the officials.

My bestie and her husband eventually got married and we were allowed to go into the registry to rejoice with them. Social distancing and other protocols were observed as we went in in batches. I congratulated my bestie and her husband and wished them well. Other guests also did the same. The highlight of the event was the photo session guests had with the couple. It was done with excitement and love. Food was served to guests after the photo session and conversations sparked up amongst them. Although the covid-19 safety measures observed had dampened the atmosphere the event turned out to be great. We have adapted to the new normal!

Have a lovely day folks.
Thanks for reading.


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Thanks guys.