She'll wear a white dress, marry her best friend Hayden Pescud, and celebrate with close family and friends at her grandparents' Leconfield property.

A few short weeks ago, the Ashtonfield woman was crowned Newcastle Showgirl in front of a packed local crowd. Wedding plans were traveling smoothly and the only unknown she had was what the weather would be like when they married.

That all changed quickly when the looming COVID-19 pandemic began to slowly unravel their plans day by day.

The pair had to cancel their Hawaiian honeymoon without any prospect of one closer to home.

Guests started calling to say they couldn't attend due to travel bans and health concerns.

Even the maid of honour had a car packed in case an interstate travel ban required her to head home to Queensland.

The fast-moving developments meant they had no time to postpone the wedding. They had to proceed with whatever was still possible.

"It's obviously something I never intended having to think about, I was just concerned about the weather," she said.

"I had to be a human being about this whole situation and not be a bridezilla.

"We've been preparing for a year but we obviously didn't plan for a pandemic.

"We've been trying to implement ideas so the wedding can still go ahead but it may be limited."

Live and breaking news updates: The coronavirus crisis in Newcastle and the Hunter

While the world around them is trying to make sense of the unfolding situation, Shanelle and Hayden have each other as a sturdy reminder of what matters.

"Our families have been really good and really supportive," she said.

"We're going to have a wedding day regardless. What's important is not the wedding itself but the commitment.

"I really want to marry him and that really has to go ahead. Regardless of what happens, we will be married.

"I don't care if we have to just go sign some paperwork, we will be husband and wife."

Despite her disappointment, Ms Fairhall was quick to clarify that she wasn't the only one whose plans had changed.

"It's not just us," she said.

"Every bride potentially getting married is in the same predicament so it's hard to think of yourself."

Wedding planning can be a whirlwind at the best of times but, after sorting through this, Shanelle and Hayden will marry knowing that together they can get through anything life throws their way.

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