On the 23rd of March this year the government announced: “I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”

This was the announcement of the first national lockdown and that made many of us realise that this year was not going to be a normal year by any means. It was also when Catie and Marc were just moving into their first house. Whilst this meant lots of time for DIY in their new home, their wedding plans for October this year were at stake.

In late spring they eventually made the call to postpone. Exactly one year later. A difficult decision that many couples had to make this year. Catie and Marc initially reached out to me in early Spring 2019 to invite me to be their wedding videographer. From our first meeting, I could feel their unshakable commitment to each other to become husband and wife.  

So, when restrictions lifted a little Catie reached out to me to tell me that they still want to do it. In a small circle, local as initially planned and low key. She said: “I just want to be his wife now.”

I had tears in my eyes. How beautiful and what is still planned to be a postponed bigger wedding celebration in 2021 was then complemented by the very heart of what it was all about: Marrying each other.

Following her message, Marc, Catie, and I met to go for a socially distanced walk around the woods surrounding parts of Moel y Ci. They told me all about their story, the area Catie grew up in and it was once again so lovely to feel their dedication and commitment to each other and their plans. I won’t give away too much of the whole story just yet (patience please, it’s only going to be a year ;)), but here’s a little snap-shot of what was a beautiful sunset walk. 

Leading up to their wedding day this October the rollercoaster continued, restrictions changed almost on a weekly basis, but “they kept their eyes firmly set on their goal” which Catie’s auntie who was also their vicar confirmed during their ceremony.

Finally, not long before the second national lockdown for Wales was announced, it became real. Catie and Marc got married in their local church in Pentir, at the foothills of Snowdonia National Park, followed by a walk around the woods at Vaynol Estate and a short and intimate gathering in Bethesda Rugby Club with their immediate circle to raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds. Even though the distancing and lack of hugging was limiting on a day like this, they didn’t let any of it ruin their appreciation of this very special event in their lives. 

It was a beautiful and intimate wedding and there were countless times I had to hold back my tears witnessing their love and the dedication they allocated to their day. 

I wish Catie and Marc a wonderful marriage and future together and I can’t wait for part two next year.