The COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone in profound ways. For Crown Booths, it was a challenging chapter that tested our resilience, integrity, and commitment to our clients. Among those most deeply affected were us (Adrian & Hayley) and countless brides who saw their wedding dreams disrupted. As we reflect on this period, we also acknowledge other vendors who faced massive financial losses. However, this is the story of how we navigated these trials and how the values of Crown Booths shone through during one of the most challenging days in our history.
It was a Saturday morning, and we were prepared for an action-packed day with 6 weddings scheduled across Southeast Queensland, from the Sunshine Coast to Ipswich and everywhere in between. Knowing the logistical demands, we had even hired a second van to ensure everything ran smoothly. Around 9 a.m., as Adrian drove down the Logan Freeway, he was on the phone with his wife discussing the sudden lockdown announcement made by Anastasia Palaszczuk. The news hit like a thunderbolt: an immediate halt to gatherings, effective that day at 2pm.
Our first concern was for our clients, particularly the 6 brides whose weddings were planned for that very day. We frantically tried reaching out to them to confirm whether their events were still going ahead, but heartbreakingly, most were too distraught to speak. Instead, family members called on their behalf, delivering the crushing news that the weddings were off.
For us, these weren’t just bookings. We get to know each couple personally, collaborating closely to perfect every detail, especially designing their photo strip templates to reflect their unique stories. Hearing about their heartbreak was devastating. Our hearts sank for these brides who had spent months & years planning their dream day, only to see it collapse in an instant.
At the same time, we began seeing conversations unfold in wedding industry Facebook groups. Many vendors had decided to keep the payments they had already received, adhering to standard industry practices. In this line of work, payments are typically required in full before the event, and we follow the same policy. However, Hayley and I felt uneasy about holding onto money for services we couldn’t deliver and no fault of their own.
After much discussion, we decided to go against the norm. We refunded not just the full payments but also the deposits, a gesture we felt was the right thing to do. It wasn’t an easy decision financially, but morally, it felt like there was no other option. We saw ourselves as partners in our clients’ journeys, and we knew that we all had to weather this storm together.
The stories of these brides and the financial losses they endured were heart-wrenching. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the goodwill we extended came back to us in unexpected ways. Two of the brides who cancelled that day are now loyal clients. They’ve since booked us every year for their businesses’ end of year parties and often express how much they appreciated our integrity during that difficult time.
For Crown Booths, this experience reaffirmed our core values: compassion, integrity, and community. It reminded us that sometimes, doing the right thing comes at a cost, but the trust and loyalty it fosters are priceless. We are incredibly grateful to those who stuck with us and continue to support us. As we look back, we’re proud to have played a small part in helping our clients during one of the most uncertain periods of their lives.
To every bride, groom, and vendor affected by the pandemic, your resilience is inspiring. The wedding industry endured immense challenges, but together, we’ve shown that kindness and integrity can turn even the darkest days into opportunities for growth and connection. This chapter may have tested us, but it also made us stronger, and for that, we are deeply grateful.