After popping the question, a pop-up wedding

SHAWANO — “We do.”

May 30 was the date three couples tied the knot, each using the same venue, floral backdrop, officiant (“Have License Will Marry”), DJ and live-streaming service.

The concept is a pop-up wedding, and it is a way for couples to share their commitment and joy with friends and families, but also split the cost with other newlyweds. Although the project was launched with donations, in the future, the couples will pick up the tab.

In times when large gatherings are on hold due to the coronavirus, the pop-up is also a way to share the day safely.

Megan Lozano-Rodriguez, owner and lead planner for Socialite Services, said the trend in small, shared weddings venues is not for everyone. But for some couples, it’s exactly what these times call for.

Lozano-Rodriguez, a Shawano resident, said working with the recently opened Stubborn Brothers Brewery allowed her to bring the pop-up wedding concept to Shawano. Everything for the weddings was donated, she said, including the Crescent Ballroom on the third floor of the brewery.

BeeWed Floral created the backdrop and donated the flowers that decorated the ballroom.

Lozano-Rodriguez said the planning for the pop-up began about six weeks ago, much less time than it takes to plan a usual wedding. The ban on gatherings for COVID-19 caused the three couples married on Saturday to originally postpone their nuptials. For one couple, one of their mothers is scheduled to be deployed. The pair was concerned that if their big day had to be pushed back further, she wouldn’t be there.

“All the couples were really appreciative” that their events could be held, she said. Celebrating their marriages were were Amanda McCloy and Dustin Maas, Blake Hampton and Kailene Young and Bridgette Luby and Nate Wasielewski.

Each wedding was attended by 10-14 people at the ballroom, but many more were watching online. After the ceremony, the families could share a champagne toast and chat with guests, both in person and online. Snacks were provided before the ceremony and cake afterward, but no meal was served. “It’s a economical way to have a wedding,” Lozano-Rodriguez said.

While social distancing prompted the pop-up concept, the lower cost and quick planning time make it an ongoing option, Lozano-Rodriguez said.

In between couples, the Socialite Services crew sanitized the area. Masks and hand sanitizer were also available for guests.

Other donated services included Timeless Touch Photography, Live Fast Productions videography, YoDj Entertainment, Ruby Design rentals, Roxy’s Sugar Shack cake and Lilad Suede invitations. Shawano’s The Stock Market provided the mimosas.