A determined couple from Abbots refused to let COVID-19 get in the way of their marriage and held the first village wedding since the start of the pandemic.
In the strange times we’re living in, traditional weddings may feel like a thing of the past for many – but Annie and Sam Hallet proved that’s not the case by going ahead with their ceremony in St Lawrence Church on October 24.
Despite having to change the dates several times, cut attendees from 80 to 15 people, adhere to social distancing and postpone their honeymoon, the newlywed couple say they have no regrets whatsoever.
Annie, 25, from Whitley Close, told AbbotsNews: “It was such a lovely day – I don’t think we’d change a thing. It was smaller than we’d planned but that made it feel more special and intimate.
“Social distancing was strange and the Zoom call we had planned for the guests that we couldn’t have with us ended up failing to work, but we have the whole thing recorded.”
It’s a wedding that easily could’ve fallen through – it was set to take place on November 14, but in early October the couple decided to move it forward in case a second lockdown occurred.
Annie added: “We feel really lucky and honoured that this happened. The church were absolutely brilliant and they made it feel really special with all the decorations, flowers and wedding bells. The vicar, Revd Peter Waddell, was amazing as well.
“I have to thank our family as well, who were so understanding when we kept changing the dates. We couldn’t have done it without their support.”
Annie had a word of advice for other brides to be who may be unsure of whether or not to go ahead with their wedding if the opportunity arises during the pandemic.
She said: “I’d say to go for it. We don’t know how long the pandemic will last and you wouldn’t want to look back after waiting for an extra year and think, ‘I wish I’d done it a year ago’.
“No, you can’t have a massive party, but it’s mainly about the two of you and having your loved ones with you. The big party can come later!”
Picture credit: Christopher Hall
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