This beautiful Knipe Hall wedding and it’s heartbreaking story belongs to Amy and Andy, and could quite possibly be the most difficult post I’ve ever written.
I knew Amy years ago when we went to the same primary school and had family who were neighbours, but had lost touch so it was a lovely surprise to hear from her and Andy. They came to me last May enquiring about their wedding which was to take place at the beautiful Knipe Hall in Cumbria but, as Amy explained, it would be bitter sweet as they were planning it within 8 weeks due to the devastating news that her mum, Sarah, had been given an end of life diagnosis.
Amy’s strength is just incredible. Along with Andy she focused everything on making the wedding perfect and a day full of happiness and celebration… and that’s what it was. She told me how lucky they felt to have managed to find all the amazing suppliers they’d wanted at such short notice. Knipe Hall was perfect… the whole day just felt completely relaxed and personal. They had a formal ceremony followed by drinks in the sunshine and then we returned back into the barn for a blessing taken by their good friend and Reverend. They basked in the sunshine out on the lawn with all of their closest family and friends, enjoying the beautiful views over Cumbria. The wedding breakfast in the barn was full of fun and laughter, with some brilliant and understandably emotional speeches. We also had the opportunity to take five minutes to walk up the drive as the sun was setting for some photos of Amy and Andy enjoying the views, and they ended the day dancing the night away in the higher barn. I was joined by my friend and colleague, the lovely Charlotte, and we felt so honoured to be a part of it.
I find looking back at the photos of their day incredibly emotional and can’t imagine how they must make Amy and the family feel, in particular the images of Sarah and how proud she was as she joined Amy getting ready in the morning. Sometimes you don’t even realise how special the little moments are, we’re just there to capture everything of a wedding day and it all seems so busy and goes by so quickly. Amy’s lovely emails of gratitude and compliments about the photos and what they mean to them have confirmed my belief that our job as photographers is so worthwhile, and those seemingly trivial moments are actually so important to capture.
Sarah had a Chondrosarcoma and very sadly she passed away in October, just a few months after the wedding. She was a very special lady with so much character and I love hearing Amy’s stories of her. Whilst her mum was in the hospice Amy found out that she had been given a place in the London marathon and somehow, through all her grief, she has found the strength to train so amazingly well and will be taking part in less than a month now! She is passionate about raising awareness of Sarcoma and also supporting the charity Sarcoma UK.
I’m so grateful to Amy and Andy for their enthusiasm and kindness in allowing me to share their story. I hope you enjoy this look back at their wonderful day and so many precious moments … and if you’d like to read more about Amy’s story and the work of Sarcoma UK, or even feel as though you could support her, you can find her page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-fletch87
If you would like to support Amy you can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amy-fletch87
I’d also like to mention the wonderful suppliers who were involved in making Amy and Andy’s day so perfect…
The lovely Charlotte who shot with me
Planner extraordinaire Sarah, from Sprinkle Of Magic
Penny and Ed who are super-talented film makers Silver Sixpence Films
Nimra Butt on hair and make-up
The Bridal Lounge of Accrington
The beautiful venue, Knipe Hall
Good Luck Amy! And thank you so much for asking me to join you for such a wonderful and memorable day.
x x x x