Your Bristol & Somerset Wedding - Page number 29 - October/November 2021 (Issue 85)

LOCKDOWN love Melanie and Justin opted for an intimate ceremony at Guildhall, Bath Images courtesy of Cindy Kitchker Photography M elanie and Justin met six months before the country’s first lockdown, and when restrictions kicked in they decided to take the plunge and move in together. Melanie tells us, “It didn’t feel reckless at all. Like many during that time, we made the best of the situation by building, making, digging, baking, exercising with Joe Wicks, helping in the community and banging pots on our doorstep.” Their mutual love for the great outdoors became something they could enjoy together and the pair spent hours exploring the local countryside while discussing the important things in life – love and friendship chief amongst them. The couple made the decision to tie the knot while chilling in the garden during lockdown 2.0. Although the proposal wasn’t a surprise, the all-important engagement ring was. “I was so touched by the care and thought that went into choosing it,” Melanie says. Plans to wed in Italy were cancelled when it became clear that the pandemic and its accompanying restrictions would stretch beyond the year. So, the couple decided to look for a local venue and fell in love with Guildhall, Bath. “It was by far the most beautiful registry office we could find, so we were lucky it had availability and the staff were lovely,” Melanie shares. So, the date was set for 19 th May, 2021. Read on as the bride shares her treasured memories of their special day... 29 REAL WEDDINGS