INTIMATE NUPTIALS

We look back on our wedding highlights over the last year, to see how our inspiring couples created their perfect day despite the pandemic. Love truly prevails!

HOLLY AND PAUL

Holly and Paul had a socially distanced wedding on Saturday 18th July 2020, at Christ Church in Ware. After their original date was postponed, the lovebirds were desperate to get married and tied the knot surrounded by immediate family.

Friends and neighbours gathered outside their house to wave Holly and her dad off in the morning. She says, “I was speechless at their kindness and the fact they had made such an effort. When we got to the church, more of my friends were waiting outside to greet us.”

As the wedding service had social distancing in place, the couple were worried it would look odd or create a strange atmosphere. However, it was the complete opposite and there was a beautiful, intimate environment.

One guest said, “It was the best wedding ever and just goes to show you don’t need fancy receptions to have a special day.”

The couple’s photographer ensured the photos and video were available just hours after the service. It meant loved ones could watch the service on the day, which was amazing.

MAYSSA AND JAMES

Mayssa and James exchanged vows at Stevenage Registry Office on Tuesday 6th April 2021. After the day being postponed twice, the couple were so excited to finally get married.

They love how their wedding photos turned out, especially the photo session in the forest with their photographer, Rafe Abrook Photography, who captured stunning shots.

The couple were surrounded by their immediate family, including James’s mum Paula, his brother Lawrence, Mayssa’s daughter Jude and their two beautiful dogs Misha and Henry. The bride says, “We’re extremely grateful to Paula Baldwin for her support to plan this beautiful experience and Jude and Lawrence for making an effort to be with us on this day.”

LAURA AND MARTIN

Laura and Martin’s ceremony took place at Ampthill Registry Office on Saturday 18th July 2020. The final confirmation that the wedding was going ahead was just over two weeks before the special day and they still managed to pull off the perfect wedding.

When the couple came out of the registry office, they were greeted by 40 socially distanced guests who came to show their love and support for the pair. It does show that no matter what, love will always win. Laura says, “Our top tip for couples would be to have your most immediate loved ones there and your day will be perfect – you don’t need as many people or as much fuss as you think.”

The couple had the most amazing grazing platter offered to guests to keep them from going hungry in the evening – the perfect idea for intimate nuptials.

STUART AND CHERYL

Stuart and Cheryl said “I do” on the 28th May 2021, at St Nicholas Church in Stevenage and then continued the celebrations at The Farmhouse at Redcoat in Hitchin. When they started planning the wedding, it was clear that numbers could be limited, but that didn’t stop them from having the perfect wedding.

The pair opted for local companies, which work out perfectly. Cheryl says, “I can’t fault any of the suppliers we chose, they were all brilliant, and I didn’t have to worry about anything. We had to move our original date, but everyone was so accommodating.”

I love that the couple didn’t let Covid-19 ruin their celebrations and they’re having a big party next year where they will hold the entire event again so all their friends and family can be a part of the day.

Flick to page 36 to discover more about their special day!

Images courtesy of www.absolutephotouk.com HOLLY AND CONOR

Holly and Conor didn’t let a pandemic ruin their special day. The couple said “I do” at Ampthill Registry on the 11th September 2020 and then held a reception at Leaside Hotel. The groom says, “Our wedding was very different to our original plan due to Covid. We originally had 120 guests attending a three-day event in the South of France with a welcoming barbecue, the big day and a pool party on Sunday. We ended up being married in our hometown with 30 guests but it was still just as amazing.”

With only two weeks to plan their local wedding, it was a no-brainer to the couple who picked The Leaside Hotel for the reception. They worked together with the staff to create a day that reflected them.

The pair could not have live music because of restrictions, but the couple stayed positive and it actually worked in their favour because everyone could mingle more and make lots of fun memoires. 30