96 hours to plan a wedding
It’s fair to say that this year has decimated the wedding industry – no great shock to
anyone really considering the arrival of a worldwide pandemic – but for those of us
I tend to plan large weddings and due to the imposed restriction on guest numbers,
the majority of my clients have had to postpone until next year.
Ezrin and Jodie, had previously planned their dream wedding, which was to be held on the stunning Island of Santorini in April this year.
And then COVID struck.
So, they moved it back to August and then back to October, both of which were
planned to be held in Santorini.
Following announcements from the Government, we met over zoom and Ezrin and
Jodie decided that they would put Santorini on hold, but still get married in late
October, but in the UK and with a guest list of thirty.
With my diary annihilated, I was looking forward to this wedding, simply for the fact of
being back in the saddle. I’m known for my organisation skills so was geared up for
their wedding celebrations.
However, it’s fair to say that just when things seem a little bit brighter, someone
comes along and dims the lights.
On Tuesday 22 nd of September I listened in horror as Boris told the nation that as of
Monday 28 th September all weddings would again be restricted. Down from the
current thirty to a maximum of fifteen guests.
I’m not ashamed to tell you that I started to cry – I scooped Ollie, my puppy, into my
arms and headed for my bed. Snuggling into Ollie’s fur and my pillow I gave way to
all the stress and tension I’d been trying to cope with.
My venting and self-pity were soon interrupted by my phone ringing – I always
answer my phone. I sat up and pressed the accept button, glancing in the mirror as I
did so – you can imagine the reflection that greeted me after a really good cry!
It was Jodie saying that they wanted to get married on Saturday so that they could
have their thirty guests.
As in four days later, Saturday!
Instinctively, I reached for my diary but strangely enough I had no wedding or event
booked in for that date.
I took a deep breath, said, 'I'll see what I can do,’ and then lay back down again.
Turning my head, I looked at Ollie, who was still wrapped up on the bed, and said,
‘well, I’d better get moving then.’
Stepping back into my office with an actual wedding to plan was so wonderful – I
was excited and instantly felt the thrill of planning surge through me.
After a few phone calls from my contacts book, the wheels were in motion and the
date was booked.
From that moment, right through Wednesday and Thursday my phone did not stop.
With emails pinging back and forwards, payments to be made, things for the day to
be collected and meetings to be had, I literally did not stop.
On Friday I spent the morning at the venue setting-up and then headed home
around two. I collapsed onto the sofa – I was exhausted, so Ollie and I watched
some tv and slept.
I woke early Saturday, going through my mental and physical checklists, and headed
out to see to the final preparations. After collecting the flowers, I arrived at the venue
just before eleven.
This part of the day is so special – all anticipation and that really lovely feel-good
atmosphere that weddings conjure up. People bustling about, adding those final
elements that make a wedding such an exceptional event in life.
I walked to the cottage next door to the venue to collect the bride. Jodie looked
stunning and although she was super nervous, she could not wait to get married.
The ceremony, which was wonderfully intimate, was held at three and both bride and
groom soon relaxed. After which a really relaxed few hours followed, with canapes,
fizz and photographs. At five-thirty the food was served and then came the
speeches, which bought a tear to everyone’s eyes, including mine.
Ezrin and Jodie had decided that despite the rule of ‘no dancing’, they were going to
hire a DJ anyway and indulge in some good music. Everyone was in high-spirits and
really enjoying themselves, which was so lovely to see, as I left to go home.
Despite having to wear a facemask and a visor for the majority of the day, I was
thrilled that I had been able to help make this couples day a reality. It wasn’t what
they had initially planned, but they were both incredibly happy with the result.
If you would like to talk about hosting your own micro wedding and would like
some helpful advice, simply email me at hello@joannecarly.com
Suppliers:
Venue: Norton Fields
Photography: Hevans Photography
Florist: Inspirations by Naomi
Cake: Libby Lous Cake Emporium
Hair: Hollie Leah Hair
Catering: Saffron Catering
DJ: DJ Barsby
Celebrant: The Village Celebrant