Wedding planners have always had a lot of responsibility, Bratseiko shares.
That is eight times more than the 1,110 marriages in the same period in 2021.
That being said, the size and scope of an actual ceremony has changed.
Bratseiko says, Peoples' fantasies haven’t fundamentally changed.
Bratseiko describes two weddings that particularly highlight the vehemency of wedding planning during wartime.
They obviously paused wedding preparations, and it took until May 2022 to relaunch them.
Their wedding was the first one Forever Bride Wedding Agency organized under Russias attacks.
Another couple, Roman and Victoria, had been planning since November 2021.
Most of their caterers and contractors had already been booked.
So, in June 2022, they made the decision to pause plans.
In Ukraine, it is customary for guests to bring bouquets of flowers for the newlyweds.
Roman and Victoria thought of Victorias father, instead.
Bratseiko explains that army vehicles seldom last very long, due to heavy shelling.
They raised all of the money within a month of the wedding.
Even more incredible, Victorias father was finally granted leave to attend.
We dug straight into preparations and arranged an intimate, vibrant wedding in about a month, Bratseiko says.
Bratseikos team has worked hard to comply with these new regulations.
Bratseiko says her solution is to find venues that come with generators.
Arguably most importantly, Bratseiko has had to navigate the psychological and emotional welfare of her clients.
Beyond her new professional challenges, though, her personal life has dramatically changed.
My dad’s a soldier, and I worry about his safety.
I have lots of friends fighting on the front lines.
Through all of the hardships Bratseiko and Ukrainians have faced, love has been a welcome and unifying element.
Planning weddings during wartime is like a light in the dark, she says.
Couples in love are very inspiring.
Scroll below to see pictures of the beautiful ceremonies Bratseiko and her Forever Bride Wedding Agency team has planned.
Peoples' fantasies haven’t fundamentally changed.
They wanted to purchase an off-road vehicle for the bride’s father who was serving on the frontlines.
A post shared by Where Is Victoria?
(@blagorazumna)
They raised all of the money within a month after the wedding.
Even more incredible, the bride’s father was granted leave to attend last minute.
We dug straight into preparations and arranged an intimate, vibrant wedding in about a month, Bratseiko says.
My dad’s a soldier, and I worry about his safety.
I have lots of friends fighting on the front lines.
Planning weddings during wartime is like a light in the dark, she says.
Couples in love are very inspiring.
