The Russell-Cotes art gallery and museum was the intimate setting for the wedding of Jenna Moyra Holloway and Jonny Mark Holloway.

Covid restrictions meant only eight guests could attend – and two of those were via video link to Australia!

But the couple, who both hail from Guernsey, say their Autumn wedding on October 1 proved perfect and told us: “ We wouldn't change our wedding day at all.”

Jenna said: “We got engaged on our childhood island of Guernsey (Channel Islands) on Christmas Eve 2018. The proposal was on our favourite beach with the sound of the nearby church bells ringing out for Christingle in the background. Having now lived in Bournemouth for ten years we would usually fly back to Guernsey every year for Christmas, but not this last year!”

Not only could they not enjoy their usual Christmas in the Channel Islands but Covid-19 had a big impact on their wedding plans too.

“We originally planned to have a wedding of around 70 people at the Kings Arms in Christchurch. However with the majority of the party flying over from Guernsey or further abroad we knew pretty early on we were going to have to postpone the large party. However, we were still determined to marry in 2020 in Bournemouth, so at the start of August began to arrange a smaller wedding with only close family in attendance.

“This did mean my brother, whom I am very close to, who lives in Sydney Australia with his boyfriend could not be in attendance physically. But our venue was kind enough to set up a video call with them so they could still watch the ceremony!

“ They dressed up for the occasion (top halves only-haha!) and were able to still be part of the day!”

Who made up the Bridal Party?

“My husband had his brother as Best Man, which was his role from the beginning. The Best Man’s wife, whom is one of my close friends and was a bridesmaid and from the beginning took great care of me on the day and made sure I was able to video call my Maid of Honour and other bridesmaids in the morning as sadly they could not be with us on the day.”

What was the most stressful part of organising your wedding?

“The uncertainty! We did not know if we were going to be able to get married. Two weeks before the 1st October there were rumours of a second lockdown. We were unsure if our family was going to be able to fly over to be with us, as Guernsey are being very tight with their border control and not having seen our family since January we would have felt heartbroken if they were not able to attend. However, they were able to fly over and the feeling of relief and joy when we saw them was incredible.

“We were also really worried about our family contracting the virus whilst they were over, as Guernsey had a very low number of cases on the island (I think it was two people at the time) they were not used to social distancing or wearing masks and the rule of six was really tricky to navigate! However, they were all really good, followed the rules, and thankfully no one became ill.”

What are your best memories of the day?

“The overwhelming feeling of love and support we felt from our family, the venues, and our suppliers. It really was a feeling of were all in this together and we want you to have the best wedding day possible regardless of the situation. Oddly because everyone was having to wear masks during the ceremony it really highlighted the emotion in people's eyes. Just being able to get married and spend the day with our families! We wouldn't change our wedding day at all.”

Did you have a first dance?

“No. But we did have a socially distanced wedding breakfast at Carey's Manor in Brockenhurst. They were fantastic and could not do enough for us.”

Did you support local businesses for your wedding? E.g cake maker, décor company

Yes, Linzi-May's cakes made our wedding cake. Andrew Millard was our photographer. Simply flower provided my bouquet and the buttonholes. Barnett & Boatrace did our hair and make-up.

Do you have anything else you'd like to add?

“Oddly for us because of the restrictions and added complications the day felt even more special as we were able to marry. Our wedding photographs are a beautiful reflection of how life kept moving through this difficult time.

"Holding on to the original date wouldn't work for everyone, but we're so happy we did. Having a small and intimate ceremony felt amazingly perfect and surprisingly us."