Given the COVID pandemic, our crazy work schedules at the hospital, the bittersweet reality of a wedding after losing Jason's mother Sally, Kristen's introversion, etc, we decided to defer on the traditional large church weddings of our shared Midwestern roots and instead opt for a small private ceremony.

Kristen didn't have any remaining vacation for the academic year, but was able to swap shifts with colleagues to get 72 hours off the weekend of April 16th. We also learned that in the COVID-era most states, including Rhode Island, allow anyone to become a 24hr wedding officiant (with the requisite paperwork and fees). So, we decided to exchange our vows that weekend in Rhode Island, with a few of our closest friends present as the officiant and witnesses.

God saw fit to bless us with a sunny (and windy) day, so we got married just down the street from Sally's old home, at a waterside park she loved to walk in. After Jason and Kristen exchanged vows by the bay, we all shared a meal from a local Italian restaurant and cakes from a nearby bakery (favorites of Jason and Sally).

After that, it was up to Boston for some photos near our first date meet up site (the Yawkey entrance to Mass General Hospital) and around the Boston public gardens.

After a busy but lovely weekend, Kristen and Jason flew to Phoenix the next day because she had to be back at work. Their "honeymoon" mostly consisted of Jason bringing take out to the hospital so the two could share a meal together while Kristen was on call. Not the traditional honeymoon, but we are so thankful to have each other along this bumpy and exciting journey.

A special thanks to Dr. Imani McElroy (our officiant and photographer), Dr. Taylor Coe (photographer & hairdresser), Drs. Naomi & Andrew Goldsmith (florists and witnesses), and Dr. Alexandra Carolan and Dr. Chi Zhang (wedding dress and accessories coordinators and long-distance moral support). These friends made the last-minute whirlwind of a day possible and for that we will be forever grateful.

We look forward to sharing even more about the day with you in person at our belated celebration in October!