2020 – The year none of us expected
2020 is certainly a year that we won’t forget in a hurry. I started the year full of optimism about all the adventures the year would hold. I had some great weddings lined up, including in Ireland and at some fab venues around the UK.
I shot a couple of family portraits and two weddings before coronavirus turned all our lives upside down. Amazingly we managed to get away on a family holiday with my Dad & brother’s family to Portugal in February. We weren’t sure if we would be able to go as there was a big storm in the UK and flights later that day were all getting cancelled. We flew out of the storm clouds into glorious blue skies and I’m so glad we went when we did, as soon after we got back we started to hear about the coronavirus.
We had been planning to relocate to Cornwall as my husband had got a new job in Liskeard. We were packed and ready to move on 27th March when the first lockdown was announced on 23rd March. Suddenly I had to stop packing boxes and face the reality of homeschooling my three kids and delaying our house move. All of my work disappeared overnight and we were suddenly house bound in a half packed up house.
It was not an easy time, I’ll be honest, there were plenty of ups and downs and anxiety and stress, but there were also moments that were quite special as we all learned to slow down and appreciate all that we have. There are many things I could say about this year but as I look back my overriding feeling is gratitude. Many good things happened both personally and work wise and looking back over the highlights of work from this year I am amazed by how much I have still managed to do despite the limitations.
The weddings that I have managed to shoot this year have felt doubly special. Despite the limitations on guest numbers, masks, hand sanitisers etc, these weddings have been intimate and beautiful. My heart goes out to those couples that have rearranged their plans two or even three times and are in some cases still waiting – your day will come!
2021 has kind of gotten off to a rough start with another strict lockdown. As I write this and reflect back on the previous year I am reminded to stay thankful for all that I have and focus on the positives. I am hopeful for change to come in the spring and summer and for us to get back to having some big fun parties! I think we are all desperate for a big knees up with the ones we love and when this is finally all over hugging and dancing will be so much sweeter and I can’t wait to get back out there and capture all the celebrations!
Until then, please enjoy these highlights from the weddings and family portrait sessions I have managed to do. I have also included a couple from a styled wedding shoot at Carnglaze Caverns and I can’t wait to show you more from this magical shoot (watch this space!).
I am so grateful to everyone that has trusted me this year to capture your special memories. I absolutely love my job and I remain cautiously optimistic for all that 2021 will bring.
Stay safe
H x
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