As the COVID-19 virus persisted and caused renewed restrictions, Jessica Meyer and Zeke Reissig decided to cancel their destination wedding on the Big Island.
The couple began planning their dream wedding in April of 2019 and decided to have it at Sunshower Farms in Holualoa in August 2020.
Reissig spent eight years in Hilo before moving to Seattle and meeting Meyer. Reissig’s parents and four of his siblings still reside on the Big Island.
“His family is definitely the reason we decided to have a wedding in Hawaii,” Meyer said. “We wanted to introduce our child to his family and celebrate in a beautiful place.”
Although COVID-19 ruined their plans, Meyer is not giving up on her Hawaii wedding. The couple decided to reschedule their special day for March 2021.
“This really isn’t about the wedding,” Meyer said. “We just want to be married, but we want to be able to celebrate it with the people we love the most.”
Meyer and Reissig began watching how Hawaii responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in February, but didn’t decide to postpone until the beginning of May.
“When they extended visitor quarantine and the stay-at-home order, we knew we had to reschedule,” Meyer said. “We decided that the best way to keep our family safe was to postpone.”
Meyer and Reissig had about 65 guests who planned to attend the original wedding, but expect fewer guests to come to the new date.
Although guests were able to get refunds for their flights, the new date will be in the middle of the school year, which will cause some to stay home.
Meyer had to cancel or postpone various services, such as catering and lodging, which were planned for the wedding.
“I’m disappointed, but I’m also guilty because I’m hurting these small businesses,” Meyer said. “I feel so terrible for impacting so many people’s livelihoods.”
Meyer has not been to the island that was once her fiancée’s home, but is confident in the decision to reschedule the visit and wedding for next year.
“For my own peace of mind, I had to what was best for my family,” Meyer said. “Eventually, the day will be here and we’ll be able to marry the way we want to.”
