Coronavirus Weddings: A New Zealand Adventure

Wedding planning is hard enough without a global pandemic to contend with! Yet, many couples are finding a way to celebrate their love - even if it's not how they imagined! Verity Manners from Wrag Barn Golf Club shared a personal story with us on how love really can conquer all. 

There will be very few brides who look back at planning their weddings as a period of floating on a cloud of love and joy without the odd electric thunderstorm or air turbulence. Throw into the mix the long term prospect of gatherings with social distancing or limited numbers and this adds a completely new dimension!

My youngest was due to marry his lovely girlfriend Bex in July this year. This event has now been picked up, lock stock and barrel, and moved to a weekend in July 2021. Everyone accepted the postponement and once the decision was made then it could be business as usual...

Except – emotionally they had both anticipated that they were going to be married this year. It’s what they both wanted.

A Small Ceremony is Planned

They live in New Zealand and most of the family are in the UK. Except for Bex’s Aunt and Uncle, who also had her parents staying with them when movement was restricted.

As soon as lockdown in New Zealand was lifted, Matt contacted a registrar. He asked her to officiate at a beach wedding in Karaka Bay, the home of Bex’s Aunt and Uncle. Immediate family in the UK were asked to send videos.  So, we sent an emotional ‘Silly old Mum’ weepy; some amusing sibling advice from a spoof of ‘The Chins’; a cheers with a favourite drink from Dad. There was also a song with words changed giving more advice and lovely harmonies from the musical siblings.

The Day

The timing of the ceremony was 10 am New Zealand time. So, we found ourselves dressing up for a wedding at 11 pm in the evening ready to join the ceremony via Zoom!

Bex was given away by her father, then the registrar introduced the proceedings. Our videos were played while we watched the bride, groom and each other laugh and cry on screen. The couple exchanged their vows and wedding rings made of shells. The family members present witnessed their signatures and gave hugs and kisses. The simplicity of two people declaring their love in comfortable clothes and bare feet had a vibrant honesty. We are proud to welcome a new Mrs Manners into our family, she is fabulous!

At Wrag Barn Golf Club, we are using this experience to help couples who are postponing their celebrations to hold their ceremonies this year. We are planning some Facebook live videos to demonstrate our ideas for intimate gatherings.