But the coronavirus pandemic forced a change of plan: Instead, the pair exchanged vows on Friday, April 10, in a solemn ceremony attended only by eight close family members. Other relatives watched a live stream of the 40-minute wedding procession from their homes.

Indonesia warns its people to avoid mass gatherings and perform physical distancing to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. This, or course, affects many couple, including Nurjaman and Widya, who planned a wedding.

“If you asked if we are disappointed, definitely,” said 31-year-old Nurjaman, speaking after the traditional Muslim ceremony in Tangerang, neighbouring the capital Jakarta.

“But we must accept, because this is not only affecting one or two people. We just have to accept the situation.”

The couple have been dating for two years and started to plan their wedding last October. But the reception for 500 guests that was supposed to take place in an event hall in a university in Jakarta on April 12 will be postponed indefinitely.

“In a normal ceremony, relatives and friends will come to witness the ceremony, but now we’ll rely on technology,” said 24-year-old bride Widya.

One of the bride’s cousins watched the live stream from her living room, wearing the outfit she had picked out for the big day. She held up a placard with a message congratulating, and included the hashtag "#dirumahaja", meaning "stay home".

“It’s sad but we have to do it virtually. But thank God it went well,” said Aulia Nita Nurwidya.

REUTERS