A couple from Harrogate has become one of the first to get married post lockdown.

Hannah and Tim Laughlan were supposed to get married on June 6, but had their plans cancelled due to covid. Instead, the couple decided to have their wedding on July 4, the first day marriages were allowed again.

The couple had planned a big wedding with a church service and large reception in a hotel. However, when their special day finally came, the bride and groom had to settle for a much smaller event, with just 25 guests in attendance at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Horsforth.

Singing wasn’t allowed at the wedding and guests had to abide by social distancing rules throughout the day.

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Hannah told the Stray Ferret that despite it being different to what had been planned, the day was more intimate. She said:

“It was definitely different to what we had imagined, but it was really nice because we didn’t have to worry about as much. On the day I was so chilled out, I didn’t have to stress about things I probably would have done like seating arrangements and colour schemes.”

The couple made a collage of all their guests who couldn’t attend.

The couple live streamed their wedding from the church so guests could still join them for their special day. Even Hannah’s uncle got dressed up for the occasion and tuned in all the way from Australia.

In November, Hannah and Tim are hoping to celebrate their wedding again with those who couldn’t make it. They plan to go to church for a blessing and then have a bigger reception so that they can “do everything properly” when it is safe to do so.

Photography by Emily Green Photography, www.emily-Green-photography.co.uk.

A vicar from Boroughbridge told the Stray Ferret that the number of people who tuned into the online Easter Sunday service exceeded the amount that would usually gather at the church congregation.

Reverend Karen Gardiner, vicar for the Boroughbridge Parish of Churches,  held an Easter Sunday service from her back garden with her family. She said:

” It really shows that you can do church anywhere. We will definitely continue to do more of these, it’s a way of creating togetherness through faith whilst people are unable to meet up.”

This innovative method of worship came about due to the temporary closure of churches, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID19.

Yesterday, many Churches across the borough held creative online services, so people were still able to celebrate a key day in the Christian calendar from their own homes.

Revd Karen Gardiner said that as well as providing a service for regular members to connect, it was an opportunity to reach out to a wider audience:

“It’s amazing, we have been getting emails from our church members saying that the online services are enabling their elderly family members, who can no longer attend church, to re-engage with their faith.”

It seems while congregations are being kept apart, the spirit of giving has not gone away.

Revd Karen Gardiner conducting an Easter Service from her garden with her family.

Churches across the district held virtual Easter Sunday services this morning to ensure that the key day in the Christian calendar could still be shared by parishioners and other viewers, in their own homes.

Ripon cathedral has been streaming services daily. Over the last month, 10,000 people have tuned in to the youtube broadcasts.

The Dean of Ripon, The Very Reverend John Dobson, held a live youtube broadcast this morning so people could still connect on this special day. He told the Stray Ferret:

“The wonderful thing is that we are finding daily more people are joining us in this time of need. I think there is little doubt that we will continue to stream services regularly when we are worshipping once again in the cathedral.

On this festal day, I wish everyone in the Harrogate district a very happy Easter at a time when we certainly need the hope that the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us.”

Ripon Cathedral

Reverend Darryl Christopher Hall, Vicar at The United Parish of Upper Nidderdale pre-recorded their Easter day communion from Gillfield Lead Mines, Greenhow. He told the Stray Ferret.

“In these unusual times we find ourselves connected but dispersed. We live in the cathedral of Gods creation and while churches are closed we are so lucky to have these landmarks to conduct our services.”

The service was posted on The United Parish of Upper Nidderdale Facebook page and on youtube so people were able to watch the service this morning.

Reverend Darryl Hall also rang the church bells at St Cuthbert’s Church, Pateley Bridge at 10:30 am this morning. The service was then broadcast on a loudspeaker so people in the village could come out into their gardens to listen.

Revd Darryl Hall, Service from Gillfield Mines, Greenhow.