From Verity of Wrag Barn: A Message to all Covid-19 Couples

Verity of Highworth wedding venue, Wrag Barn is truly fabulous, and so popular amongst all at Whitewed.  She heads up her lovely wedding venue and she's the perfect person to have around you as she's calm, kind, practical and has a great sense of humour.  She knows first-hand how difficult it has been for so many couples as they've had to rearrange their wedding plans due to Covid-19, as she's the mother of a son due to marry in July, but Covid-19 had other ideas.

Here's her story of how her son and new daughter-in-law found another way and created the most fabulous memory for all via Zoom just a few weeks ago, and how she can help all of you struggling to come to terms with your changed wedding plans with her intimate wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast inspiration and ideas...

"There will be very few brides who look back at planning their weddings as a period of floating on a cloud of love and joy without the odd electric thunder storm or air turbulence.

Throw into the mix the long term prospect of gatherings with social distancing or limited numbers and this adds a completely new dimension.

My youngest was due to marry his lovely girlfriend Bex in July this year and this event has been picked up lock stock and barrel and moved to a weekend in July 2021, everyone accepted the postponement and once the decision was made then it could be business as usual......

Except – emotionally they had both anticipated that they were going to be married this year and it’s what they both wanted.

They live in New Zealand and most of the family are in the UK except Bex’s Aunt and Uncle who had her parents staying with them when movement was restricted.

As soon as lockdown in New Zealand was lifted Matt contacted a registrar and asked her to officiate at a wedding on the beach in Karaka Bay, the home of Bex’s Aunt and Uncle. Immediate family in the UK were asked to send videos; so we sent an emotional ‘Silly old Mum’ weepy, some amusing sibling advice from a spoof of ‘The Chins’, a cheers with a favourite drink from Dad and a song with words changed giving more advice and lovely harmonies from the musical siblings.

The timing of the ceremony was 10.00am New Zealand time and we found ourselves dressing up for a wedding at 11.00pm in the evening ready to join the ceremony via Zoom.

Bex was given away by her Father, the registrar introduced the proceedings, and our videos were played while we watched the bride, groom and each other laugh and cry on screen. The couple exchanged their vows and wedding rings made of shell; the family members present witnessed their signatures and gave hugs and kisses. The simplicity of two people declaring their love in comfortable clothes and bare feet had a vibrant honesty and we are proud to welcome a new Mrs Manners into our family, she is fabulous!

At Wrag Barn Golf Club we are using this experience to help couples who are postponing their celebrations to hold their ceremonies this year and are planning some Facebook live videos to demonstrate our ideas for intimate gatherings, so do get in touch if you need some ideas and inspiration, as we'd love to help you on your journey.  Indeed, do have a look over our recent intimate wedding ceremony photo shoot collaboration with Fabulous Functions UK, Steffen Milsom Photography and Hospitality Services - here's a taster image, and the full blog you can click HERE.

Wishing you all my very best, Verity x