An Intimate Rooftop Minimony at Dobin St. in Brooklyn, New York

As an emergency medicine physician, Jamie Lee (32) was keenly aware of the potential health risks COVID-19 posed for her nuptials to Asaad Zaman (32 and a video producer). But powerful symbolism accompanied their August 8th wedding date, as it was also Jamie and Asaad’s 10-year anniversary and exactly one year after their engagement. As such, they were eager to proceed with safely exchanging vows on that day, even though it meant reimagining the event to protect guests’ well-being. Off the bat, they cut the guest list by 100 people, opting instead to create a video stream for loved ones to tune into. “It was difficult to have so many details up in the air until the last minute,” Jamie says. With ever-changing regulations, even the venue was booked merely two weeks out.

For the ceremony, the couple’s pastor and friend officiated the ceremony. “It felt natural to ask a friend who also happens to be a spiritual leader,” Jamie says. Both Jamie and Asaad’s moms read Bible passages with wisdom they wanted to impart to the couple as they wed. Asaad’s video production background lent itself to live streaming the ceremony. As for decor, “I still dream about the flowers from my wedding day,” says Jamie of the dusty blush roses, white roses, orchids and pampas grass woven throughout the event.

For dinner, families were seated together. There was also a separate table for health care workers. The menu nodded to the couple’s heritage. Jamie is Korean; Asaad is Filipino and Bengali. Samosas, bulgogi steak and chicken inasal were all on offer. Despite their small guest count, the couple still served a delicious lemon wedding cake with lavender-honey buttercream. Later in the evening, the couple watched video messages from those who couldn’t attend, including Jamie’s 89-year-old grandmother.