Ouseburn - Josie and Kelvin's 2020 lockdown wedding

Back in 2019, Josie and Kelvin booked us to photograph their August 2020 wedding at the True Jesus Church in Newcastle. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, they had to reduce their numbers and the duration of the day to fall in line with the restrictions at the time. Being a part of such a tight-knit community that treat their friends like family, it was almost impossible for them to get down to the maximum number of 30 guests. Somehow, they did manage it, but sadly, there was no room left for photographers. Instead, we met them outside the church for a few socially distanced family photos, and a walk down to Ouseburn afterwards.

A few of our couples have asked how we organise socially distanced family photos, so I’ve included some so you can see. They take a little longer than normal, but they are easy enough to do, and actually, I quite like the different placements of the family groups.

Christchurch, North Shields - Victoria and Daniel's 2020 lockdown wedding

Victoria and Daniel were due to be married at Healey Barn in April 2020, but Covid 19 scuppered their plans. Once regulations allowed, they quickly changed their date and venue and got booked in to get married in August in their local church, Christchurch in North Shields instead. They had fallen in love with Healey Barn, and still very much wanted their large get together with all of their friends and family, so they also booked a vow renewal and all-day celebrations at Healey Barn for next month.

We are so looking forward to seeing these two again in a few weeks for part two of their wedding.

(Please note, we haven’t included many photographs of guests mingling and chatting, simply to avoid any potential issues related to social distancing).

Wynyard Hall - Laura and Jonathan

Laura and Jonathan's wedding day at Wynyard Hall turned out to be the last wedding that we would photograph before the UK locked down due to the Covid 19 pandemic. They were married only two days before the national lockdown was announced, but aside from the chatter about the pandemic, and more hand-washing than usual, it didn’t affect their day at all.

Laura got ready in the cottage within Wynyard Hall’s walled gardens, it was the first time that I had been inside the cottage, and I loved it. Not too big, not too small, cosy, and traditional. A lovely spot to get ready for a wedding. Nigel met the lads in the Wellington bar down in the Hall. Wynyard Hall is one of the only local venues that has its own consecrated chapel, and weddings in the chapel are always so beautiful. Laura looked stunning in her lace gown as she walked down the aisle to meet her groom. After a rather emotional ceremony, the newlyweds enjoyed drinks with their friends and family in the Statue Gallery.

Every year, around March to the beginning of April, Wynyard Hall’s grounds fill with thousands upon thousands of daffodils, which made for gorgeous pictures of the happy couple together, we took a walk around the grounds and took in the views of the lake before heading back inside for their meal and a few really fab speeches in the large conservatory. After the room was turned around, the party began. They cut their cake and hit the dancefloor. Everyone got up out of their seats and gave it their all, even the Nana’s and Grandad’s. It had been quite a while since we’ve seen such a full and enthusiastic dancefloor, and as it happens, we haven’t seen one since. I am so looking forward to seeing jam-packed dancefloors again, hopefully, it won’t be too long away now.

South Causey Inn - Vicky and Steve

Vicky and Steve’s wedding in early March last year at the South Causey Inn was a family affair that not only joined a really wonderful couple together as man and wife but it was also the day that their two boys became brothers. I remember meeting all four of them at Wynyard Hall’s wedding fair all the way back in February 2019, and we just clicked straight away, it felt like we were meant to be their wedding photographers, and I was so happy when they felt the same and booked us for their big day.

Vicky is one of those people with a really infectious personality, she brings laughter and fun to every conversation and Steve is in the truest form of the words, a proper gentleman. Together they light up every room that they enter, and their boys could not be more charming if they tried. During the ceremony, Vicky’s son proudly walked his mam down the aisle, while Steve’s son took the role of the best man, making sure that the rings were handed over on time. They both did a top job. After a wonderful drinks reception with friends and family, we headed outside for a few photographs with the newlyweds. It was, as seemed to be the norm at the time, another very blowy day, but the wind did not deter either of them and we had a lot of giggles as we explored the grounds together. They shared a meal with their family and friends in the Old barn dining hall and listened to some really great speeches, one of which was written by Steve’s son and read out by Steve’s brother. We stayed with them all the way through to the evening do, and after the first dance and a bit of dancing, we left them to party into the night.

It was such a good day with such a fun and exhilarating couple, I wish we could do it all over again!

They have planned an action-packed honeymoon with their boys to Orlando in Florida, which sadly had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Guys, I hope you get out there soon, all four of you really deserve this amazing holiday. I’m sure it’ll be well worth the wait.