Emelie & Joe's wedding had seemed like such a long time coming, having been moved due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. In fairness, everything in 2020 felt like it was a long time coming, so it was a huge relief to get back to doing my job and capture some memories for a bunch of beautiful people
Obviously, government guidelines were followed*, with bubbles kept together - but it worked really well and didn't feel too dissimilar from a 'standard' wedding day. One thing i would emphasise is the fact that the weddings which took place during the break in lockdowns, felt far more meaningful than your usual wedding day. People appreciated being together and not in huge numbers. The Bride and Groom were able to see and speak to every one of their guests (which is rarely the case at a wedding of 80+ people) and also, every single person there meant something to them. It really was no bad thing to have such limited numbers present on the day. In fact, i'd argue there is something to be learned from all this.
For the wedding itself, all the details had been delicately tended to and the overall atmosphere was one of pure contrast from the uncertain and turbulent times leading up to the day. Little things like the choice of beer, were all extras that just made it feel like 'Emelie and Joes day'. Emelie's dress was stunning too and totally befitting the venue and herself - she looked a million dollars!! They both did! Joe was able to change into his Navy uniform later in the day and that too added an extra layer of personality to the proceedings.
It was bliss. For one day, everyone there felt elated, over joyed, safe and normal again. Emelie & Joe not only married that day, they gave all of us there a reminder of the more beautiful times we can share together. Hair & Make up was assisted by Emelie's sister, who did a stunning job. The tables looked fantastic, the venue staff were brilliant at assisting everyone and putting on a fabulous day for everyone, i really couldn't fault a thing!! Bridal prep was held at the gatehouse, a characterful gated fort to one end of the estate which looks like an old Keep, atop which was the Union Jack, tying in with Joe's Naval connections.
Whilst we are on the venue. WOW! Sweet lord that's one pretty place, inside and out. If i had the chance to marry and get all my friends and family in one place (i don't have many of either, but we will ignore that for the purpose of this) then this would definitely somewhere i'd have on my list to consider. The grounds are beautifully maintained, the architecture of the building lies somewhere between French Chateau and Gothic (that's probably entirely wrong, that's just how i shaw it) and it was light inside!! Each room had its own character to it and each one could host memorable moments in abundance. Check it out!!
Not just that, but their friends and family were a blast - some of which i had worked with before, which just made it even better. It is the people that make a wedding, ultimately. The food, the venue, the flowers all help, but really is boils down to the right people in the same place in time. In such strange times, this was more than a wedding for everyone there, it made us all feel normal again... in a special way.
Emelie & Joe really are one of my 'star couples' from this crazy ride we've all been on. They've understood my predicament as i have tried to understand theirs. They stuck with their booking, retained me for the whole day and had a film of their day to enhance the coverage they received. It makes a huge difference, working with people like that during such uncertain times and i will be forever grateful.
I'd like to publicly thank them for employing me on their wedding day - it meant a huge amount and it helped carry me through the latter part of the year mentally. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and their guests an equal measure of joy!!
Here's to being brave, staying the course and winning at life!
Darren
IMAGES COPYRIGHT DARREN LOVELL PHOTOGRAPHY
USE WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED
Venue: Orchardleigh House
Beer: Unity Brewing Co
*anyone else finding it boring to have to say / type that before everything?