Empathizing with today’s brides who are struggling with the unpredictable times we are living due to Covid-19, Esposa hosted a live panel discussion on June 1st where brides-to-be had the chance to receive advice from industry experts and share their personal stories and concerns.
Including professional hairstylist Tony El Mendelek, professional beauty and makeup artist Fadi Kataya, founder of Parazar Productions Elie Azar, couple psychologist and psychotherapist Denise Abi Rached, and one of three Esposa’s sisters Juliana Romanos, the panel discussed the new post-Covid wedding norms in Lebanon while identifying, on the bright side, the positive circumstantial outcomes that brides can focus on.
While all panelists confirmed the unprecedented challenges the industry is facing, presenting suppliers with the reality of down falling demand and forcing brides-to-be to postpone their weddings or minimize it considerably, Denise Abi Rached recognized an opportunity for couples to “work on their relationship and seize this time to make sure their love is strong enough to overcome current and future difficulties”.
From his end, Tony El Mendelek highlighted the shift to “garden-theme weddings and cocktail receptions” as a timely alternative solution. With the other panelists, he agreed that love shouldn’t wait and that instead of cancelling their weddings, couples should rather adapt by holding small ceremonies followed by vow-renewal parties next year or when time allows.
A thought shared by all panelists was the importance of the bride’s image. “For us photographers, nothing really changes. The most emotional moments that we capture for the bride while she is preparing herself or rejoicing with family and close friends are still there. If anything, this Covid-19 situation has made this special day even more intimate”, said Elie Azar. This is why “brides should think about looking and feeling their best as their image is everything that will remain from this day”, reiterated Tony. Juliana seconded the latter, reminding brides-to-be that “they should not underestimate the importance and intensity of that special moment when their husband sees them for the first time in their white bridal dress [regardless of the circumstances surrounding the wedding ceremony]”.
“Brides should focus on their beauty only and on being happy with the way they look on their big day. They owe themselves a proper bridal hair and makeup beauty care and should not settle for less”, said Kataya.
No matter how uncertain the circumstances, one thing is sure: love can’t wait, a motto reiterated by Esposa brides-to-be Pascale Abou Rjeili and Suzi Wardan who shared their positivity with listeners. Despite being forced to change their local and destination wedding plans, the two panel guests acknowledged that what really mattered was to celebrate love and be happy doing it, no matter the size of the gathering.
On a last note, Juliana reassured brides that Esposa will not change its prices in light of Lebanon’s inflation, taking in consideration the economic situation Lebanese are enduring right now and the hard times Dubai is passing through due to Covid-19. “Esposa’s mission is to see every bride wearing the dress of her dreams and this is our way of guaranteeing that”, she noted.