Stony Brook University Hospital healthcare hero ties the knot despite COVID-19

Stony Brook University Hospital healthcare hero ties the knot despite COVID-19

The bride and groom pose for a photo in the front yard of the couple's home

“A sense of love, family and community could never be taken away by a virus!”

His and her face masks worn during the wedding

In the last few months many couples have decided to postpone their wedding plans due to COVID-19, but one Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) employee decided she wouldn’t let the situation stop her from marrying the love of her life.

Kristie Golden, PhD, LMHC, CRC, Executive Administrator and Associate Director of Operations, Stony Brook Medicine had planned a dinner celebration with friends and family at a local restaurant for their May 17 wedding until the establishment was forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It would have been easy to just postpone everything but we decided that we would not let the circumstances stop us,” said Dr. Golden.

A sign that was displayed on the front lawn of the couple’s home after the ceremony

Instead she and then fiance Greg Campo decided to get married in their Smithtown backyard complete with a wedding trellis, flowers, bubble machine and handmade face masks for the bride and groom. The only people in attendance were the couple’s children and six guests who all wore masks as well. Extended family and friends were able to watch via Zoom and Facebook Live. 

“Everyone’s participation in their own way brightened our world and we hope it did theirs as well,” said Dr. Golden. “The day was beautiful, the birds were chirping and the celebration was everything we had hoped. Our goal was to shine light on a difficult time by celebrating our love.”