Emily and Matthew James from West End had lots of help from family and friends as they tied the knot just days before restrictions were tightened so they could have their grandparents among 30 guests.

Emily, a midwife at Princess Anne Hospital, and Townhill Junior School teacher Matt enlisted friends to find a new venue in one afternoon as the original place had furloughed staff and asked others to travel to Ringwood to sort their flowers with an hour’s notice. The school kindly allowed Matt to leave early the night before the wedding so the couple could arrange an emergency wedding licence.

They were married the next day at St James Church West End, followed by a reception at the Hilton Ageas Bowl.

Emily tells us more.

(Q) How did you get engaged?

(A) We got engaged in the New Forest in May 2018. We went for a walk and then dinner at the New Forest Pub where we had our first date!

(Q) Did Covid have any impact on your wedding plans?

(A) Our initial wedding date was 2nd May 2020, booked for 120 day guests. Six weeks before the wedding we were utterly heartbroken to have to cancel our wedding. We moved it initially to July 2020 but knew quite quickly we still weren’t going to be able to have our day how we dreamed. We made the decision then to move the wedding to March 2021.

However, following further guidance that weddings would only be allowed for 15 guests in March, we made the whirlwind decision to try and get married on the last weekend 30 guests would be allowed. We were desperate to have our grandparents with us.

So with three days notice, we planned the entire day. The wedding took place on 26th September 2020.

As our banns were now out of date, we needed an emergency licence which the church sorted. We managed to do it, even with a night shift at the maternity unit either side!

(Q) Who made up your bridal party?

(A) My six bridesmaids had not had their dresses altered. So I had my sister Sophie as my Maid of Honour and our wonderful Mum Ali.

(Q) What are your best memories of the day?

(A) We were just so happy, so relieved and so full of love. The whole day was incredible.

(Q) Did you have a first dance?

(A) Kind of! Our friends played Paolo Nutini on our phones and sang along so we could dance.

(Q) Do you have anything else you’d like to add?

(A) Love always wins!

• Emily and Matt's lovely pictures were taken by Alex Guy Photography. Based in Hedge End, Alex specialises in schools, weddings, portraits and events.
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