The COVID-19 outbreak this year has thrown into question several, if not all, aspects of daily life as we know it.
The summer of 2020 would have normally seen the wedding season in full swing. However, many couples have been forced to postpone, or even cancel their big day due to restrictions.
Some couples though have been lucky enough to tie the knot this year! Vicky & Peter were among those determined to go ahead with their plans to get married, and able to see it through.
Getting married is not something you do every day. Let alone in the middle of a pandemic.
We caught up with Vicky to find out what it was like, how they altered their day to fit with guidelines, their experience with having a live band and advice for anyone else in the same situation!
What Were Your Original Wedding Plans?
Our original wedding was booked at Beaconside House, a weekend wedding venue, which we had exclusive use of from Friday (the day before our wedding) until the Monday. We could accommodate up to 50 of our closest friends and family on site at the venue, with a further 30 coming to the wedding and back to the venue for a pool party on the Sunday.
We originally wanted a May bank holiday wedding as the weather in May tends to be better than during the summer holidays (August) when our children our off school and it always seems to tip it down, however the venue was already fully booked for both May bank holidays, so we settled for August, our first stroke of good luck.
When Did You realise You Were Going To Have To Change Your Wedding Plans Due To COVID-19?
About five or six weeks before the wedding we started having discussions about who we would be able to have at our wedding, who we would have if we could have 10 guests, 30 guests, 50 guests etc.
We had a two-week holiday booked five weeks before our wedding, so we decided we would go and enjoy that and make a decision on guests when we got home. Up to this point I truly believed the COVID madness would be over before our big day.
Were You Worried Your Day Might Not Go Ahead?
There was never a doubt in my mind. I knew our wedding would go ahead and would be absolutely perfect. I just had a gut feeling! I just knew. Keeping faith in our big day was probably the only thing that kept me sane during what could have otherwise been a very stressful time.
The only big concern I had in the first few months of lockdown was when the borders would reopen, so my sister and her family could travel over from Bermuda to be at our wedding.
Mid June we were ecstatic to hear Wade International Airport in Bermuda would be reopening on the 1st of July meaning my big sister and her family would be able to make the wedding, everything by this point was falling into place nicely!
What Changes Did You Make To Meet The Guidelines?
To meet government guidelines, we reduced our guest numbers to 30 for the wedding. We bought purple face masks for our guests to wear during the ceremony to match our colour scheme, as we were told by the registrar team this was compulsory, however on the day the guests were told they didn’t have to wear these as the wedding ceremony was outside, we were so grateful.
For the reception families were seated on a table per family, though most of these people would have been grouped this way COVID or no COVID. It did help fill the huge venue out having more tables than you normally would for just 30 guests.
Why Did You Decide To Still Have A Wedding Band?
We always wanted a live band to end our wedding day, as so many more guests get up and dance to live music and it’s so much more responsive. As COVID dragged on and on and on, our want for this grew.
We knew everyone wanted to let their hair down and have a good time, which is exactly what happened.
What Did The Jacks Bring To Your Day?
The band brought the party to the wedding. They were enthusiastic and energetic. People took to them exactly as we hoped they would. Everyone was on the dance floor all night.
The music the band played really connected with our guests and brought out crazy dance moves in everyone. The Jacks were the most friendly band we could have asked for, as well as being amazing performers!
We caught up with Josh from The Jacks about his experience performing live wedding music in the middle of a pandemic. Here’s what he had to say!
What Was It Like To Perform At A Smaller Wedding?
It felt no different to me. The tables surrounded the dance floor, in such a way, that it felt like a normal gig. Social distancing was in place but it still felt like a party!
Did You Make Any Changes To Your Regular Sets To Fit The Situation?
No changes had to be made, the bride and groom loved everything they saw from us and allowed us to carry on doing what we do best.
Did You Feel Safe?
I felt perfectly safe, there were no problems + the staff from the venue really helped out a lot.
Your Advice For Couples Looking At Live Musicians Or Bands For Smaller Weddings?
A smaller wedding is not a problem. If YOU are happy with less people being there, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. We had a blast and so did everyone else! The feedback we received showed that.
How Did You Feel On Your Wedding Day?
Our wedding day went by so quickly and we were so unbelievably happy, our feet didn’t touch the ground for weeks! On the morning of the wedding I felt absolutely nothing but excitement, though I know my groom was slightly nervous. The day after our wedding we had our pool party as planned with our 30 guests and we were so overwhelmed by how lucky we had been! I felt a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders and amazed we had actually done it!
We were so lucky. We were also unbelievably grateful for everything everyone had done to get us to that day and made it perfect. I was overcome with emotion several times on this day by how much the venue had done for us and all our other suppliers too, from hair and make-up to the photographer, we had the most amazing wedding family!
Are You Glad You Still Went Ahead?
Having faith in our wedding was the best thing we could have done. There was never a doubt we would go ahead, it meant so much to us to be married and to become a proper family. The only hard line we had was our children had to be there. If they couldn’t have been there, we would have cancelled. We were just blessed the rest of our guests could be there too. It was one of the best days of our lives and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it!
What Did You Think Of The Service Provided By Warble?
Warble provided us with amazing service throughout, from booking The Jacks until the wedding day itself, they couldn’t have helped more. They kept us up to date with regulations regarding COVID as they frequently changed! They put us in direct contact with the band, who I cannot recommend highly enough!
Your Advice To Other Couples Currently Planning A Small Wedding Or Having To Change Their Wedding Plans?
If I had to give any advice to couples getting married during this crazy time it would be to keep believing, better days will come and while it may seem like life or death right now, the most important bit is the ‘I do’ for the rest of your lives.
To be married is incredible and that is what we fought so hard for. Don’t give up. You will get there, embrace the changes and make the best of them!
Your Favourite Suppliers From The Day?
Every single one of our suppliers were phenomenal. I have to mention and recommend them all!
Beaconside House – Our beautiful venue, with the most amazing staff and team!
Albion Row Photography – Paul took the most amazing pictures, we love him!
Twigs Florist – Beautiful flowers!
Guess Events Catering – I can’t begin to describe how nice the food was. The caterers were so friendly and generous with their time!
Isabelle Grace Make Up – Rachel was so friendly, funny and amazing at her job!
Devon Wedding Hair – Kyrelle was amazing with all of our hair, we were ready well before we needed to be and so much fun to have with us on the morning of the wedding.
The Jacks – Absolutely fantastic band, so much fun and brought so much joy!
Mrs Smudgers Cakes – Such a lovely lady who made us the most incredible cake.
