Ahh.. 2021. The year when you couldn’t get married, and then you could. But then you couldn’t get married unless there was only 15 of you. But then you could get married if there was 30 of you. Inside, outside you can at the minute but maybe not next week…

That’s pretty much how I would sum up 2021 for any couple trying to marry that year. The ever changing rules were just bonkers. Don’t get me wrong, I get why they were in place, but I can’t imagine the constant stress it must’ve put on couples worldwide - adjusting their plans at a drop of a hat to fit the latest government laws and restrictions.

So, cast your minds back to May 2021 - Weddings could go ahead with a maximum of 30 people. Ceremonies could go ahead outside unmasked but masked if inside. Receptions remained capped at 30, but only outside or if the ‘building/structure’ could have option to remove it’s sides for air flow. Dancing was still not allowed inside so no official disco’s/bands at the time either.

But, that being said I think it’s absolutely fabulous how so many couples just embraced the rules and thought sod it! We love one another, we’ve waited a year already - we’re going ahead! I can honestly say that I’ve found a whole new love for the smaller, more intimate weddings. They are just as gorgeous as the big celebrations!

My first time shooting at The Red Lodge - I couldn’t quite believe this little beauty of a venue was only a 5 minute drive from my home town of Swaffham - after all this time! Chloe and Andy was my first couple of 2021 and I couldn’t have had a better couple to start the season. Having been friends with Andy since we were at play group together, he’s one of my longest friends so it was an absolute joy and privilege to capture him marrying his best friend Chloe. As well as this, it was so lovely seeing all the families again having photographed Andy’s sisters Wedding back in 2018 and having photographed Andy’s other sister Sam with her horse. To be honest, I didn’t feel like I was going to work at all.

With a limited number of guests, Andy and Chloe opted to brave the breezy May weather for an outdoor ceremony. The odd spells of rain managed to hang off until their ceremony was complete. We got greeted with some cracking grey skies at one point followed by a totally unexpected golden hour later on. The whole day was chilled, fun, relaxed and the word covid, despite adhering to the rules in place at the time, didn’t even seem to cross our minds - too much fun was being had!

So enough waffling from me - I could go on forever as you know. So here is Mr and Mrs Colman’s gorgeous country wedding at The Red Lodge….

Venue: The Red Lodge, Narford
Decor: Handmade by Chloe’s talented family
Dress: Wed2B
Flowers: Handmade by Chloe
Cake: Kael’s Cupcakes
Photrography: Maddie Parker Photography