WEDDINGS Lockdown couldn’t

THE WEDDING THAT COVID COULDN’T SPOIL

Love conquers all, as the saying goes. Even Covid... yes, sorry to mention that word... but happily Davina and Paul’s day proves that nothing can spoil your wedding day as long as you have one another and some family and friends to share the day with!

Wedding Photographers: October James Photography, 07876 794743, www.octoberjames.com.

If anyone knows the perils of Covid, it’s Davina Ashton. As an A&E doctor, working in Peterborough, she’s one of the people on the frontline helping to keep patients and colleagues safe.

How unfair, then, that her own wedding plans were met with disruption. But Davina and fiancé Paul were sanguine throughout their wedding planning and want to reassure other couples that you can enjoy the perfect wedding even amid the chaos of Covid.

“We met in June 2018,” says Davina. “I’m from Nottinghamshire and moved to Stamford to be closer to work. Paul works in IT and was based in Kettering. We started dating and visiting Stamford so we could spend weekends together Paul found himself falling in love with the place... and with me too, I’m happy to say!”

“He proposed when we were on holiday in Croatia... eventually! His original plan to propose on a walk around Plitviče Lakes National Park was scuppered because of a booking mix-up and it being insanely busy with tourists, and again when we failed to find a quiet spot whilst sea kayaking. He quite impressively managed to keep the ring safe during an entire afternoon paddling out at sea!”

“Paul eventually gave up trying to avail himself of the breathtaking scenery and instead asked me to marry him over supper overlooking the harbour on the last night of our holiday. It was perfect. And quiet!”

“We’re not the sort of couple who like big parties so our preferred wedding would have been a bit more low key, but when families

WEDDING DETAILS

DAVINA & PAUL ASHTON

Wedding Ceremony: Normanton Church, normantonchurch.wedding. Wedding Reception: The Old White Hart, Lyddington, 01572 821703. Wedding Dress: Mori Lee at The Tailor’s Cat, Cambridge, 01572 821703. Bridesmaids’s Dresses: Chi Chi, www.chichiclothing.com. Bridal Car: VP Princess 01664 474542, www.vpprincessweddingcars.co.uk. Bridesmaids: Amy Simpson, Kate Hinchliff, Megan Ashton. Best Men: Derek Scanlon, Chris Ashton. n join in the wedding planning and everyone is happy for you both plans do tend to escalate, and eventually we had a guest list of around 80 people.”

“We planned to marry at Normanton Church as Rutland Water was the venue for one of our early dates and we saw a couple marrying there. One of us dared to remark, tonguein cheek ‘that might be us one day!’ which turned out to be more truth than jest!”

“We booked the church and we also found Lyddington’s Old White Hart which we thought would make a lovely reception venue. Our day was booked for May 2020 but with news of lockdown, we had to postpone until October.”

“With news that only 30 guests would be permitted we also had to write to all of our guests and explain the need for a dramatically reduced guest list. Happily, all of our friends and family were understanding and they all gave us their blessing. But it was still the hardest decision to make, and when the number of people was again reduced, this time to just 15 people – to just four weeks before the day – we were again faced with some decisions which would have been really difficult were it not for the fact that everyone was so lovely and understanding... we wanted a quieter wedding but not like this!”

“All of our suppliers were great; very understanding. There was only one restriction that would have bothered me. We were told my father couldn’t walk me down the aisle at one point, a condition which was revised, thankfully. But as with the rest of the day, we just had to embrace any restrictions or come to terms with them.” >>

>> “Nobody was more aware than me why keeping friends and family safe was so important. We sort of embraced it, giving little bottles of hand sanitiser as wedding favours, for example, which raised a smile... as did the wedding cake toppers with the bride and groom each wearing face masks! We also opted for clear masks which was a good thing, as they ensured we could still friends and family smiling!”

“We did have a bit of a scary moment immediately before the wedding though, when Paul developed a cough. Perhaps as an anxious bride – as well as a diligent doctor – I was very sensitive to his coughing and we were both tested. Mine came back negative but Paul’s was positive, so we had to selfisolate in the two weeks prior to the day.”

“Our isolation finished on Wednesday, and we were due to be married on the Saturday, so it was quite close. But by that time we were a bit beyond trying to change the situation and (almost) managed to find humour in it... we very nearly got to the wedding without any more disruption!”

“Our suppliers were great, like October & James our photographers, who was so lovely and great to work with, and Holly at The Old White Hart.”

“We’re both happy to say, though, that the day was perfect. Even with restrictions and worries leading up to it. The wedding itself was always a happy bonus, though, to the main fact that I was marrying my best friend, someone I love greatly.”

“We’re both really grateful to our family and our friends and to the suppliers who helped us to prove that nothing has to spoil your day and that the most important thing is to be safe and to celebrate your love for each other.” n

Wedding Photographers: October James Photography, 07876 794743, www.octoberjames.com.

Happy Noir Year

STARK, STYLISH AND SUPER COOL, DISCOVER OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOIR-INSPIRED HEALTH AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS THIS MONTH

1. The pampering comfort of a Jo Malone scent...

Fragrance specialist Jo Malone provides winter comfort this month. Any product would have suited the theme of our page but we’ve chosen Scented Escape, a gift set which comprises a shower gel with the fragrancier’s signature lime, basil and mandarin, plus cologne with sage and a body creme with sweet English pear and freesia. £88; 50ml, 30ml, 50ml.

5. A helping hand for hard working ones this winter...

Diptyque presents its Velvet Hand Lotion, ideal for soothing hard working hands this winter scented with sweet almond and crispy petitgrain, juxtaposed with warm, reassuring cedar. If your hands are chapped or drained of life from the constant use of alcohol based hand sanitisers, this is a beautifully scented, luxurious solution. £48, refill £28, 350ml.

2. A brush with quality...

The best makeup in the world will fail to achieve the results you’re seeking without quality brushes, and replacing your makeup brushes regularly is also a matter of hygiene. Our favourites are Mac’s 196 flat top foundation brush £28; 316 lip brush £16.50 and 209 eyeliner brush £16.50.

3. Hermès’ lip service...

Lips take some punishment during the winter, with winds and moisture leaven them chapped and sore. Hermès has the answer in the form of this moisturising lip balm, with beeswax and candelilla wax for well-hydrated, supple and comfortable lips, £58, 3.5g, refill £33.

4. Prime position...

Lancôme’s La Base Pro primer is the secret for a perfect complexion, visibly resurfacing the skin, fading imperfections and providing a great base for makeup, £29, 25ml.

6. A scent-sational fragrance for men...

Givenchy’s Gentleman Eau de Parfum 100ml fragrance gift set comprises the scent itself plus an additional 15ml travel spray. It’s a classic scent with an elegant woody-floral oriental reminiscent of nightfall, composed with an explosive signature. A floral scent played out in masculine notes. £82 from John Lewis at Queensgate.

n All our beauty products are available from local independent stockists unless otherwise stated, please note that prices stated are RRP and may vary according to retailer.