Lyn & Barrys Covid-19 Wedding
I was privileged to be part of a very special rustic wedding on 1 August 2020.
Lyn and Barry decided not to let Covid-19 spoil their nuptials and with restrictions lifting they were able to enjoy their day with close family and friends attending. Wedding receptions are still subject to the rules that apply for other indoor and outdoor gatherings - three households and up to eight people indoors, or five households and up to 15 people outside.
The couple after much humming and hawing decided to swop their wedding venue The Scotts in Grangemouth for a outdoor wedding in woodland at the back of family home in Avonbridge. Unsure what to expect I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived to find they had decorated the area with signs and flowers, an altar, signing table and they even managed to provide an aisle to walk on. This enchanted forest wedding also offered a hidden waterfall that could only be accessed via a neighbours back garden. This hidden gem provided a wonderful backdrop for their photo shoot after the ceremony.
Everyone was in festive spirits and with the magical setting it was easy to forget that we are in the middle of a pandemic but the couple ensured everyone was maintaining the covid-19 guidelines for hygiene with hand sanitiser never far away. Putting the safety of their guests was paramount and with the reception outdoors in the garden it ensures social distancing was adhered to.
A fun and memorable occasion despite the testing times. I salute Lyn and Barry for bravely deciding to not let the pandemic and government dictate their lives by continuing with their day.
From 100 guests attending The Scotts for the ceremony and reception to 15 guests (including Lyn & Barry and the humanist) how is anyone supposed to choose who can attend? Having had things slowly stripped away Lyn and Barry considered postponing to later in the year or even 2021. They then realised it wasn’t about the party anymore it was about them marrying. They then formed their woodland themed wedding and I have to say I enjoyed photographing it immensely. For me it was important that Lyn and Barry felt like every couple I have photographed pre Covid so it was business as usual. The woodland provided a great setting and the waterfall a fantastic backdrop for the couple photos. I left everyone enjoying the garden reception and feel very privileged to have been part of Lyn and Barrys wonderful day.
The Scottish government has said physical distancing at weddings was being kept under review.
The next formal review of lockdown restrictions is on 20 August.
I can't wait to resume photographing weddings again every week and will in the meantime enjoy the weddings that are coming up later this year.
See a slideshow of images below.
