From the Professionals: A Celebration of Intimate Weddings

Covid, Covid, Covid - well, well, well.  You have certainly been a trickster this year!

We know that so many couples have had to postpone (for sometimes the 3rd or 4th time), cancel their plans altogether, or generally feel like they can't plan at the moment as things are a bit 'up in the air' - but here at Whitewed we wanted you to know that despite restrictions, love really does win.

There are so many couples that we know who have, and are, going ahead with their wedding, even if it means their numbers are restricted in comparison to their original plans, and in fact, they have embraced the intimacy of the occasion - and indeed, so many are planning a big party once there is a handle on the Covid situation, but just can't wait to be married to their love in the meantime!

We wanted to showcase how beautiful and special an intimate wedding can be, so if you're considering still going ahead, we know this will reassure you.  So here are a selection of recent intimate Real Weddings showcased by our Whitewed members and they tell us just how wonderful their client weddings were.

Know that wedding venues and suppliers are very much still 'open for business', and they've totally got your back, so don't be put off planning; enjoy the process and we'll do everything we can to help you along the way!

Joseph and Becky - Jonathan Lockwood | Ahuvi Photography

My couple, Joseph & Becky had been friends since toddlers. They grew up with photos of them playing together (even in the bath as 3 year olds - that one we won’t show for obvious reasons!). In due time it became apparent that Joseph was interested in Becky and the rest became history.

They had set their wedding date for August this year and were looking forward to celebrating it with friends and family from all over (even abroad). But of course when lockdown ensued back in March, things looked a little bleak. 

I contacted them to chat through plans, whether they wanted to reschedule and was amazed to see that they would go ahead. They had faith that when the time came they could be married. Guidance kept changing from the government, but they held on. 

Their wedding consisted of only 30 people, including me, all wearing masks within the beautiful church they had chosen to marry in, but I never once heard a word of disappointment from them. They accepted the conditions and gathered family (and a few friends) happily, creating a very warm, intimate and fun occasion. 

But it wasn’t without its mishaps. They had planned on a marque set up in the back garden of Becky’s family home, small and bright with enough space to cater 24 people in total, but the day before it had started to blow away in strong winds! Rescuing it out of the hedge Becky’s family managed to save the marque and get it ready in time. The only casualty? Becky’s leg was cut by the run away tent, causing a gash. But both Becky and her Father were in good spirits when they told me the story on the morning of the wedding, joking about the situation (showing me the splatter of blood on the part of the tent that caught her, and showing me the gash on the leg - which they bandaged up and hid well under her gorgeous dress). 

Having photographed weddings with hundreds of guests, and enjoyed the atmosphere of those occasions, it was a real joy to capture this special day and be a part of a very small wedding. I was blown away by how this couple and their families made the most of their situation, never once complaining, just enjoying the celebration of a life-long friendship now in full bloom as a married couple.

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Ellie and Adam - Steffen Milsom Photography

I first met Ellie & her Mum at the Great Western Wedding Show in Swindon back in January 2019. We spent a long time chatting and it was great to hear about her wedding plans. Ellie and her fiancé Adam were getting married at St George's Beckington followed by a reception at the stunning Orchardleigh Estate.

With the uncertainty of Covid 19, Ellie & Adam made the difficult decision to postpone their reception at Orchardleigh until November 2021.

The one thing they did not want to postpone was getting married. With the easing of lockdown, and as originally planned, the wedding was at St George’s Church in Beckington. Close family were invited to the wedding with a small reception at Ellie’s Mum’s and Step Dad’s house in Purton.

With a marquee in the garden everything was set for an intimate wedding and evening meal. And then the rule of 6 was announced, Ellie and Adam’s emotional rollercoaster had not quite finished. Tears followed by relief as they were getting married the weekend before the new rule came into force.

The day itself proceeded without a hitch. The atmosphere at Ellie’s Mum’s in the morning was so relaxed. The weather was perfect, and the joy Adam was feeling when Ellie walked down the aisle was clear to see.

Back at the marquee, I heard the most heartfelt and funny speeches as all fifteen guests enjoyed a beautiful evening celebrating Ellie & Adam’s wedding day.

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A selection of beautiful intimate weddings - Sarah Forward | Cakes by Mrs F

I have felt so sorry for so many of my lovely couples that have had to change their wedding dates due to the pandemic, but it's been an absolute joy that some have gone ahead and created beautiful intimate weddings and embraced the restrictions, and it's been a pleasure to work with them.  Here I share a series of recent weddings...

C&J

C&J went from a seven tier all vegan wedding cake at the beautiful Euridge Manor to a smaller vegan macaron order! They had their perfect day with 30 wedding guests with a Hindu ceremony followed by a traditional English ceremony. They had the most beautiful weather for their special day. We even managed to tie in the monogram which the groom had illustrated himself to label the macarons which was a lovely surprise for him to see on the day!

P&M

P&M were originally due to marry back in May! Once ceremonies and small receptions were permitted, the couple went ahead with their nearest and dearest and celebrated with a two tier sugar flower wedding cake which was slightly different to their original five tier but it was just perfect!

E&K

E&K were due to marry in Marbella in September, but they went ahead at the wonderful Grittleton House with a wedding for 30. They had beautiful weather even if it wasn't quite Marbella!  Their cake was finished off perfectly with fresh flowers from Foxy Buds.

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Lindsey & Robert - Kate Southall | Copper & Blossom Photography

 Lindsey and Robert's celebration was due to take place in July and, being cautious, they soon ensured that they had a Plan B date in the diary. However, with lockdown restrictions starting to lift in May, they optimistically starting making plans for a small ceremony just in case they were able to go ahead. I was so excited when it was announced that small weddings with up to 30 guests could go ahead from 4th July, just 6 days before Lindsey and Roberts anticipated celebration! That meant it was full steam ahead and, although the day was going to look very different to the original plans, they were just so thrilled that they were now allowed to say "I do"!

Arriving with my mask, hand sanitiser and additional long lenses (to ensure I could take photos from as far away as possible), the day went without a hitch! It helped that Lindsey's Mum currently lives with the couple as it meant that she was able to help Lindsey with her dress and shoes!

With their ceremony taking place just days after the restrictions had been lifted, the venue had made the cautious decision to only allow the witnesses in the room for the ceremony. It was a joy, however (albeit rather bizarre), to see that their additional guests were able to gather (socially-distanced) on the decking to watch in through the open doors.

I'm not going to lie - I was anxious on the run-up to the wedding purely because this was my first post-lockdown celebration. The logistics of every part of the day needed to be carefully considered to ensure we were all adhering to the guidelines.

I needn't have worried - everyone was completely understanding. From the registrars who kindly allowed me to shoot the ceremony from a distance (thank goodness for those long lenses!), the guests who completely understood the need for social-distancing during the confetti throw and the group photos and, most of all, Lindsey and Robert who were totally relaxed and told me they would be happy with anything I could capture!

It was such an emotional and beautiful occasion to witness. It didn't really matter that there was only a handful of people there to congratulate them and, in a way, it was much more personal and emotional for being so intimate. I know it isn't something any of us could have predicted, but I for one am loving such intimate celebrations!

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We're sure you'll agree, small and intimate really is just as special and beautiful!

Congratulations to all of the lovely couples featured, and thank you to all for the lovely images and stories shared by our Whitewed members.

We know that it's a very odd time and it's difficult to think ahead, but rest assured, here at Whitewed we've got your back.  We and the team of wonderful vetted wedding venues and suppliers will all go out of our way to ensure your day is super special, no matter what the restrictions in place are.

Happy planning!

From Team Whitewed