The last wedding before the COVID-19 lockdown in Tunbridge Wells, Kent
On new years day, 2020, I was blissfully unaware the whole world was about to change. My biggest concern for my brother's marriage was what suit I'd wear. If there's a lesson for us to learn from this pandemic, it's to not take things for granted.
It was Saturday the 21st of March 2020, just as the UK was sinking into a panic over the COVID-19 virus. My brother Ashley, and his fiancé Fiona, send me a text "Can you be in Tunbridge Wells tomorrow with your camera?"
Their plan had been to tie the knot in April. Like a lot of couples, their venue (The Mansion House in Tunbridge Wells, Kent) called them. As of Monday, the guests couldn't attend their wedding. They had a choice, either postpone their service or go ahead with just two witnesses and a photographer. Naturally, it was gutting news. But the most important thing to them was getting married in front of their young sons, Jesse and Brody. The rest was a bonus.
Fiona and Ash asked the venue, "Is there any way you can marry us with two witnesses and our two boys present?" The venue contacted their staff to see what could be arranged and called back with good news. The catch, it had to be the very next day!
All of their planning was undone in that instant. We all rallied around quickly to make the day even more special in our small ways. My partner Tanya baked a three-tier cake, my sister Charlotte arranged to decorate their house.
I believe attending a wedding is a privilege and not a right. A marriage is a bond between two people, the lack of an audience doesn't devalue it. Me and Fiona's brother, Greg, had the honour of being onlookers while they got hitched. The wedding was small, intimate and beautiful. I'm so grateful to have seen them so happy to be marrying each other. I'm pleased to have documented their union to share with family and friends who weren't able to attend because of the risk of contagion.
My parents and Tanya waited outside with confetti. Locked safely in her car, windows up, hand made signs on display, self-isolation couldn't stop one of Fiona's best friends celebrating with them. It was such a touching moment to see their tiny wedding party celebrate together. Nobody was missing the usual traditions.
We slowly walked down the road to The Pantiles. Along the way, by-passers congratulated my brother and new sister in law. I was so inspired seeing how uplifting their happiness was to so many people they'd never met.
A few of us made our way back home for some food and drink. Charlotte's decorations on and around the house greeted us. It was a perfect end to our short but very sweet day.
Most of us don't realise how fortunate we are moment to moment. Remember to enjoy the small things. We'll cherish our memory of Fiona and Ashley's wedding while we're quietly holed up indoors, for as long as the chaos of this pandemic takes to subside.