Millie and Toby at The Holy Ghost, Balham.

“We would 100% without a doubt recommend Claire to anyone getting married. Claire was so flexible with us and moving our wedding because of Covid. She was so supportive in the lead up to the big day. She was so amazing on the day, made everyone feel so comfortable and happy. Not to mention how fantastic the photos are! We could not be happier with our experience with Claire. If you’re considering her as a photographer, just do it – book her now!”

Love across the miles.

Millie and Toby…my first bride and groom in 20 weeks. 20 weeks! I don’t want a global pandemic to be the focus of this blog but for obvious reasons it will need a mention. Not only did Millie and Toby postpone their wedding but recent events had also prevented Millie’s family from traveling over from New Zealand. When we caught up the week before the wedding, she explained that she would be walking herself down the aisle and that her New Zealand bridesmaids could obviously not be there with her either. My heart broke for her. But her response was ‘But it’s ok, Toby’s family and friends are awesome. We’ll still have a great time’. I mean, what a hero.

A sunshiny ceremony in Balham.

We cut to the morning of the wedding and the sun is BEAMING! It was a glorious day. Not only because of the weather but also because Millie and Toby could finally get married. I arrived at the church nice and early as the Priest was opening it up and he was just brilliant. He was so helpful and informative about how things will have changed slightly and what to expect as a result in the ceremony. It was my first time at The Holy Ghost in Balham and I was totally blown away by how beautiful the church was in person. This was shaping up to be a great day already.

Slowly but surely the guests started to arrive, as did Toby and his best man. The classic conversations of ‘who wears what button holes’ and ‘how on earth do you pin these without stabbing yourself in the finger’ commenced and it was like we’d never been away. Everyone was so excited to see each other, catch up and celebrate the soon to be newlyweds. Spirits were high and before we knew it, it was time for the guests to go inside for the arrival of the bride herself.

Let’s get married!

Millie stepped out of the car with the biggest smile on her face and looked absolutely stunning. Her vibrant flowers reflecting her mood and the day perfectly. She was surrounded by friends who accompanied her she was just so relaxed! I went on to find out that that smile would not be removed for the entire time that I was with Millie.

Millie won’t know until reading this that I actually shed a tear as she did a power house solo walk down the aisle. Not only did she look amazing and I was just so happy for them both to finally be here. But I was so happy that I was there with them! I had missed photographing weddings so much and seeing Millie walk herself down the aisle was a reminder that we still have a way to go but ever so slowly, things are hopefully returning to normal.

Marriage in the time of Zoom!

The service that followed was filled with thoughtful words and beautiful readings by family and friends. When the new Mr and Mrs had sealed their ceremony with a kiss, they lead out their guests into the sunshine for congratulations in person and over Zoom. Despite the time difference Millie’s entire family in New Zealand had watched the service and continued to watch the celebrations that followed.