Baker announces big day for wedding venues across Massachusetts

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Wedding venues like the Lakeview Pavilion already have couples coming in to tour the place. One local wedding planner said phones have been going off the hook.

“Getting the news today was a complete sigh of relief for the entire event industry,” said Michelle Ryder of Lakeview Pavilion.

Venues like this one in Foxborough started emailing their clients, letting them know the great news as the governor on Thursday announced plans to ease up on state restrictions.

Couples will soon be able to have 100 people attend their special day.

“We’re only allowed to have 6 guests per table, and having them 6 feet apart,” said Ryder.

“I was texting everyone, and their brother, people couldn’t believe it,” said event planner Bryan Rafanelli, from Rafanelli events.

Rafanelli said there are a ton of venues that are booked all throughout the week.

“Would you consider getting married on a Monday, Tuesday, you have to think about that,” said Rafanelli.

For Monica Gouveia, and Steven Reis, they waited almost 12 years to get married.

“You can actually plan a wedding now,” said Gouveia.

Finally, last year during the pandemic, Reis proposed to the love of his life.

The couple didn’t rush to find a venue right away, because Gouveia, a health care worker, has been directly dealing with COVID patients.

“Death, destruction, I saw a lot of anxiety,” said Gouveia.

“Seeing her come home from work, sad, depressed (from) what she’s dealing with,” said Reis.

The thought of having a happy moment, while others around her were struggling, didn’t feel right in Gouveia and Reis’ hearts.

But now that the number of COVID-19 cases are slowly declining.

“Now that the restrictions are lifted, it’s easier for us to plan,“ said Reis.

“I feel that I will have my perfect day safely,” said Gouveia.

What a big heart Monica has for holding off on her wedding in the first place, because of what she was seeing around her.

Rafanelli said if you want that special wedding day, plan now, don’t wait.

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