Today I’m looking back over Eilis and Tom’s wedding, another brilliant example of how couples adapted during the pandemic with the fluctuating rules around weddings. With their original date in April a no-go due to lockdown, they decided to still get married in 2020 but scaled back their wedding from a big barn celebration with hundreds of guests to an intimate village church ceremony and garden party at home with their nearest and dearest.
Eilis got ready at her family home, a morning full of excitement with siblings, parents and little ones all weaving around the house. I always enjoy photographing prep in family homes, it adds a lovely layer of warmth and closeness to the start of the day. She wore a timeless sleeveless tulle dress with lace applique, and her bouquet of roses, dahlias, wildflowers and greenery suited the day perfectly.
The ceremony took place at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Stewkley. It’s a beautiful village church and their sunny wedding day created the most dramatic light inside. Tom looked sharp as he met Eilis at the end of the aisle in his full army dress uniform, and I loved their non-stop smiles throughout the ceremony. A moment that has stayed with me from their day has to be her lovely dad giving her away whilst holding one of his grandchildren in his arms to stop him running all over the place!
After the ceremony, guests threw petal confetti outside the church before heading back to the family home for drinks in the garden. As we got there the wind suddenly picked up and blew Eilis’ veil right off of her head!
Just before I left, we took a few quiet minutes out for portraits in the orchard. It was such a lovely peaceful moment and it felt so meaningful to capture this new chapter in a place that meant so much to them.
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything you did to make our day so special. We were so lucky to have you there and really loved your manner and how professional you were on the day. We have lots of the photos up around the house and all the relatives have said how lovely they are!
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