Eye witness account from one lucky guest
The first wedding since March 2020 took place at St Nicholas church on May 22nd 2021. The happy couple to walk back down the aisle as a ‘Mr and Mrs’s were Sheppertoni-an Emily Strong and her partner Michael Hawthorn. It has been a long journey to reach the altar for Emily and Mike as their wedding has been cancelled three times due to Covid. Despite a scaled-back event (30 in the wedding party only), it went ahead with great joy. Emily grew up in Shepperton as did her father Peter. Emily went to St Nicholas school and her father went to Saxon. They were both pupils at Thamesmead school.
Andy Anderson, a neighbour of Emily’s parents, drove her and her father to the church in his decorated Mercedes, all wearing masks. Church Square was full of friends and family who could not be part of the 30. She stepped out of the car wearing a new wedding dress, that had been altered by local seamstress Shepperton Tailoring. An old 4 leafed clover pendant of her mother’s was attached to her bouquet. An ankle bracelet with blue stones was worn around her ankle. A veil borrowed from a friend adorned her hair, styled by Sisu and Glow who gave VIP treatment to Emily and her bridesmaid, Thamesmead school friend Lydia Methven. The service was taken by Rev Sue Wood who was a school teacher at St Nicholas before she was ordained. Eve-ryone had to wear masks during the service except Emily, Mike and Sue Wood. No singing was allowed so guests listened to hymns played on a speaker including All things bright and beautiful which was Mike’s gran-dads favourite song, who unfortunately passed away last year. The photographer was Emily’s schoolfriend Katie Turner and the service and day were filmed by Tim Miller, Emily’s uncle. After saying their vows, signing the register and being blessed at the altar, they then walked back down the aisle together, with beaming smiles as Mr and Mrs Hawthorn. As the church doors opened the sun came out and cheers were heard from the small crowd who had patiently waited outside, with chauffeur Andy providing champagne for the happy couple. After photographs were taken outside the church and the occasional legal hug, Andy drove them to Halliford Mere Lakes for some more romantic photographs and then on to the reception. This was held in Mike’s parents back garden. Emily and Mike hope to celebrate their first wedding anniversary with a party and invite all those who were not able to join the 30 on the day. Emily will be wearing her dress for the second time!