Here come the brides, but COVID-19 has stopped them saying 'I do'

Record ID: 1561224

  • Title: Here come the brides, but COVID-19 has stopped them saying 'I do'
  • Date: 7th July 2020
  • Summary: BRIDE PROTESTER HOLDING SIGN READING (Italian): "NO TO THE PROTOCOL BY THE STATE AND THE CHURCH" BRIDE PROTESTERS HOLDING UP UMBRELLAS (SOUNDBITE) (English) 22-YEAR-OLD BRIDE PROTESTER, NAME NOT PROVIDED, SAYING: "I'm here to protest because since I should get married this year but because of the pandemic, I found a church but the restaurants or reception I can't find, so I was forced to move it for the next year because... And hopefully for the next year everything will be fine so I can finally get married." BRIDES HOLDING UP SIGNS OUTSIDE TREVI FOUNTAIN
  • Embargoed: 21st July 2020 13:19
  • Keywords: COVID-19 Rome Trevi brides coronavirus flash mob protest weddings
  • Location: ROME, ITALY
  • City: ROME, ITALY
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Health/Medicine
  • Reuters ID: LVA002CLTA1QF
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The wedding bells are ringing, the white gowns are on, make-up and hair are looking flawless - but these brides have no ceremonies to attend.
    The COVID-19 pandemic has meant planned weddings all over the world have had to be cancelled or postponed - some due to lockdown, and others due to social distancing and limited number rules that mean couples can't have the elaborate day with all their friends and family as planned.
    A group of frustrated brides-to-be who had their special days put on hold got dressed up in wedding dresses and gathered outside the stunning Trevi fountain in Rome on Tuesday (July 7) for a flash mob to protest against the coronavirus restrictions.
    A 22-year-old protester said she had found a church for her wedding but was unable to secure a spot for the reception so felt she had no choice but to postpone it until next year.
    "Hopefully for the next year everything will be fine so I can finally get married," she said, smiling.
    Weddings were allowed to resume in Italy from May 18, but no large gatherings are allowed. At the small weddings, masks are mandatory even for the happy couple, and throwing confetti or the bride's bouquet are banned.
    By the Trevi fountain, the brides threw matching frilly white umbrellas into the air instead.
    (Production: Yara Nardi, Oriana Boselli, Emily Roe)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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