SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Springtime is one of the most popular times to have a wedding. The sun is out and flowers are in full bloom, but when the pandemic struck Central New York last year, that was all halted.
Gabrielle Fordham is a videographer, who has shot over 150 weddings across the country, so she knows a thing or two about the industry. Not even this seasoned professional could predict what would happen to ceremonies in 2020-2021.
“And then, I think when people settled into the idea that this wasn’t going away, there was kind of like a variety of decisions based on people’s values,” Fordham said.
This meant that there was a transition from traditional ceremonies to more creative, private celebrations. In addition, brides and grooms weren’t the only ones who had to get creative. In Fordham’s case, she started her own film production company in the midst of the uncertainty of the pandemic.
“The way I started was almost like being pushed off a cliff,” Fordham said.
Luckily, Fordham used that feeling to fuel her now flourishing business, even though it may look a little different from what she was used to.
“The company I was previously working with, our typical wedding was like 300 people. And so moving from that to doing elopements is like a huge shift in the industry. But it was really, really fun and definitely helped, even just financially, to be able to make it through that time,” Fordham said.
The last year has been one of growth for both Fordham and her business. She hopes to build on this foundation once she is able to start traveling for international weddings soon.
JENNA ELIQUE: The sun is out. The birds are chirping. And spring has just begun. The only thing missing? Wedding Bells.
FORDHAM: Where did they get their dress? Or where did they get their flowers? If they watch the video and they like it, they can learn more.
JENNA ELIQUE: Gabrielle Fordham has shot over 150 big days, so you can say she knows a think or two about the wedding industry. But not even this seasoned pro could predict what you happen to ceremonies in 2020-2021.
FORDHAM:And then, I think when people settled into the idea that this wasn’t going away, there was kind of like a variety of decisions based on people’s values.
JENNA ELIQUE: Many people were left questioning what they were going to do about their special day. The options were either cancelling, rescheduling, or doing something like having a backyard wedding. Brides and Grooms weren’t the only ones who had to get creative. Fordham started her own wedding film production company in the midst of the pandemic.
FORDHAM: The way I started was almost like being pushed off a cliff.
JENNA ELIQUE: Luckily for Fordham, she was able to take that feeling and turn it into a flourishing company even though it may look a little different than she was used to.
FORDHAM: The company I was previously working with our typical wedding was like 300 people. And so moving from that to doing elopements is like a huge shift in the industry. But it was really, really fun and definitely helped even just financially to be able to make it through that time.
JENNA ELIQUE: The past year was one of growth for Fordham and her business. Her hope for the future is that she can begin traveling for both out of state and international weddings soon.
Jenna Elique NCC News
