That's a wrap 2020
What a year! I wonder how many people will start end of year reviews with words that echo these sentiments? My first review draft was so gloomy, that I found myself eating a mini-trifle at 4 in the afternoon.
The trifle, however, gave me some perspective. Undoubtably this year has been a tough one. There is a sense of sadness as 30 events (weddings and workshops) from the IP&R diary were postponed. Given ongoing uncertainty some couples have now rearranged for the third or fourth and even fifth time. I have been able to re-house everyone but this is no fun, no fun for anyone.
There was a rush of bookings in the spring which kept me going financially combined with a part-time job. The novelty of the initial lockdown brought an overwhelming patina of activity and industriousness. I had never made doughnuts, pretzels, cardamon buns, planted veggies and (for the first time) saw the cut flower patch thrive.
The highlights
The highlights of the year were the simple things; lunch with friends on the August bank holiday followed by a long beach walk. Also, the beach breakfast bbq which turned into a full on beach day. Rolling home, toasted from the sun, before the stormy rains took hold. Not to be forgotten, was a brilliantly inspiring day with India, at Vervain flowers. My sister and I were so enthused we chatted all the way home about what we'd learnt and would grow.
The weddings I worked on this year, have been few. Six couples managed to get married, each wedding had its own challenges; ever-changing regulation meant shoring up plans days before.
The pictures below are from Dan & Haley's special day. Their April wedding was cancelled in early March, then their civil service due within days of the ban on weddings was unable to go ahead. They finally managed to tie the knot at Greenwich Registry Office in July followed by a blessing at Queen's House, later in the week, and picnic in the park. There was so much joy that the day was finally here with family and friends, tying in on Zoom.
Photographs by Richard Skerrat
For now
The lockdowns continue, apart from baking sourdough, this round of confinement, brings a welcome slowness. Time to be. I cannot recall how many times I have watched ‘You’ve got Mail”.... “Don’t you think daisies are the friendliest flower".
Determined to finish the year on a positive note, we have/are taking time to work on the website and branding. More to come on that in the new year. IP&R also moved into a new studio where there is space to host workshops, consultations and I have a vision of a bench out front and jasmine growing up the wall. We also took on a little allotment, while presently looking a little barren, there are tulips planted ready for the spring. All good things!
I can’t wait to get into the swing of things next year. I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone for your bookings, enquiries and kindness, throughout the year. It means a lot. We are currently fully booked between April and October 2021. Although, there is still capacity for micro weddings and smaller projects. For the latter part of next year and into 2022, there is good availability so please get in touch if you are interested in working together. But for now we are signing off for a well earned break. We will be back in the office on 5th January 2021. xx