Beautiful wedding at Harefield Barn – live on BBC!

The caterers were all set, the cake was made, outfits bought, music chosen and all the final details in place, but none of us could have foreseen what was to come... As the big day approached, the realisation dawned that a change of plan was inevitable, so Catherine and Ray decided to move to a date in October 2020.  

Sadly, as time went on, it became clear that things would not return to anything like normal for a while, so Ray and Catherine opted for a complete rethink. They decided that they would go ahead with their marriage as soon as possible, marking it with a small family gathering, and then hold a commitment ceremony and celebration for all their family and friends in April 2021.

The ever-changing government advice meant that Catherine and Ray couldn't be sure how many people would be able to share in their wedding day until just a week beforehand, but on 15th August we finally got the green light and it was all systems go for 22nd August!

I was contacted by a BBC producer the day before the wedding, asking if we would be prepared to appear live  via computer link on the morning of the wedding. We agreed ' just one more thing to make this marriage truly unique!

Finally, the stage was set, the sun was shining, and the glorious tones of Etta James singing the highly appropriate 'At Last' played as Catherine, accompanied by her son Ed, made her entrance. Having been on her own for 15 years before meeting Ray, she had chosen this song for her entrance planned for four months before - now, it could not have been more perfect!

We can't wait to do it all over again with Catherine and Ray's extended family and friends next April, but somehow, I think 22nd August 2020 will be one of those days we will always remember!