In the last few months, many couples have decided to postpone their wedding plans due to COVID-19, but one Stony Brook University Hospital employee decided she wouldn’t let the situation stop her from marrying the love of her life.

Kristie Golden, PhD, LMHC, CRC, Executive Administrator and Associate Director of Operations, had planned a dinner celebration with friends and family at a local restaurant for their May 17 wedding, until the establishment was forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It would have been easy to just postpone everything, but we decided that we would not let the circumstances stop us,” said Dr. Golden.

Instead she and then fiancé Greg Campo decided to get married in their Smithtown backyard. They had a wedding trellis, flowers, bubble machine and handmade face masks for the bride and groom.

The only people in attendance were the couple's children and six guests who all wore masks as well. Extended family and friends were able to watch via Zoom and Facebook Live.

“Everyone’s participation in their own way brightened our world and we hope it did theirs as well,” said Dr. Golden. “The day was beautiful, the birds were chirping and the celebration was everything we had hoped. Our goal was to shine light on a difficult time by celebrating our love.”