Wedding bells and sirens: Ertmer and Conrad wed during pandemic, receive parade

ELIZABETH–Elizabeth native Tori Ertmer, daughter of Tim and Tonya, dreamed of a wedding in her hometown and being able to celebrate with family and friends. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic struck and limited the number able to attend the ceremony.

Ertmer married Ethan Conrad, son of Randy and Melanie Conrad, Ottumwa, Iowa, on Saturday, April 25, in what became a private ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elizabeth. Unfortunately, due to restrictions as a result of the pandemic, only the parents were present while siblings watched afar through a live stream. None of the 300 invited guests were able to attend.

Family and friends organized a surprise drive-by receiving line for the newlyweds and to cheer, wave and shout well wishes from a socially acceptable distance. As a way to show love and support for the couple. Horns honked and the vehicles had posters and balloons.

The last vehicle in the parade of well wishers was a 1937 fire truck owned and operated by Ertmer’s great uncle, Bob Wand. Wand’s fire truck was decorated with pink streamers and balloons. The truck escorted the Conrads around Elizabeth with family and friends following behind in cars. Many residents in town stepped out to watch the parade, cheering and waving to the bride and groom.

Although the wedding day looked different than what had been planned, the Conrads felt the love of family and friends. It was a day that they will not forget.