On the 2nd June 2021 I photographed the wedding of Hannah and Martyn at Woodhouse Barn in Pembrokeshire. This was my first full day wedding since September 2020. I have had a handful of assignments to photographed restricted marriage ceremonies, but the vast majority of commission have been postponed until covid restrictions were lifted enough to allow some sort of resemblance of a wedding reception. In line with restaurant regulations, food and drink can now be served and tables sat within household bubbles. The newlyweds are allowed to perform a first dance, but guests are prohibited to join in at present, but things are beginning to return to normal and the whole of the hospitality industry can begin to see the quivering green shoots of recovery. I just consulted my diary and counted 27 postponed weddings since September. That is a lot of disappointed bride and grooms who have chosen to wait to hold their dream wedding day, and a lot of frustration and re-organising.

So it was with not a small amount of joy I set off for West Wales with my shoes polished and cameras freshly dusted and charged. The bride and groom had rented neighbouring cottages in the village of Rosemarket, a short distance form Woodhouse Barn. True to form the family owners of this traditionally built barn have been busy at work during the multiple lockdowns, with improvements to this country wedding venue. Though I was pleased to see that they have managed to keep the authentic and unique rustic charm. The marriage ceremony was performed within the hen house, though a small number of guests did have to spill out of the shelter to maintain social distancing. Fortunately the weather stayed dry despite thunderstorms and heavy rain showers earlier in the morning. During the drinks reception guest were entertained with the talents of caricaturist Picasso Griffiths. It was very heartwarming to be able to see family and friends once again share each other’s company.