With just four weeks to go, Kirsten and Chris Lucas from Blackfield had their wedding plans turned upside down.

With a daytime guest list of 60 for the ceremony at All Saints Church in Dibden and 100 friends and family due to join them in the evening at Rhinefield House Hotel near Brockenhurst, the plans had to be majorly scaled back.

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The celebration was switched to a family garden for 30 guests in line with coronavirus restrictions last summer.

But they wouldn't change a thing about the intimate garden party, which proved stress free and something to savour.

Kirsten told the Daily Echo: "It was amazing to be able to get married, although it was very touch and go and we had a few back up dates booked in. We were finally given the go ahead that it could go ahead in the church and with 30 guests.

"This wasn’t how we had planned our day but we are really grateful that we were able to redo the whole wedding and be able to plan something so intimate and relaxed that we wish we had this planned from the outset.

"What was most important to us was that we were able to get married and have all our close family there to witness our special day.

"To go from Rhinefield House Hotel was a massive change but one we do not regret, we feel this was the perfect fit for our day. Everyone else felt the same way too and we were able to enjoy the day more.

"Although we had to omit some family members and friends due to the restrictions, everyone was so understanding and supportive. We couldn’t have asked for better.

"We feel that Covid did us a big favour and showed us what getting married should be. It shouldn’t be a stressful time, it should be something to savour and something that the bride and groom are happy with."

Kirsten and Chris, who were engaged at the Trevi Fountain in Rome in front of 2,000 people, were joined for their big day by their son James, their parents, siblings, family and closest friends.

Their reception took place in the garden of Chris's parents, which they dressed up beautifully for the occasion and got in professional caterers at short notice to provide a delicious spread.

It's a day Kirsten will never forget.

"My best memories are just being able to marry the love of my life and having a completely different day and being able to relax more," she added.

• Kirsten and Chris's stunning wedding pictures were taken by Laura White Photography.
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