BARNUTOPIA! Sounds every bit as wonderful as it actually is. To get there, you drive deep into the Shropshire countryside, through Oswestry, out the other side into a tangle of country roads, possibly stop for a wild wee in a field, and head for the Welsh border. You’re greeted by donkeys, sheep and rugged hills, a cluster of yurts, a shepherd’s hut and a barn.

I met Tonie and Giorgia there 5 months late, as they were supposed to tie the knot in May, but October it was (#rona). It well and truly chucked it down all day, there was a power cut and it got rather chilly, but it didn’t matter a single bit. Why? Because they bloody love each other! Thanks to the yurts, everyone who was able to come was able to stay on site, including Giorgia’s parents and sister from Italy. Ronnie the Labrador brought their rings down the aisle, and best friend Luke devised a selection of gameshow games to entertain everybody, and Tonie wore custom made pants that she was certain to show off after a few cheeky drinks.

Tonie and Giorgia are amazing company. They were so awesome to spend time with, and I very much appreciated Tonie’s hilarious texts during lockdown. They’re into gaming and camping, and travel round Europe in their self converted camper van with Ronnie whenever they get time off work, so we got along like a house on fire. After their ceremony I asked them if they wanted to have a brief escape for photos and we spent an hour in the camper van just chatting and having a drink. Perfect!

This year has been so tough for families that these times have become the moments that sustain us. I was so glad for Tonie and Giorgia were able to finally have the day they’ve held out for for so long.

I sneakily filmed parts of the day without them knowing, and presented it to them a couple of weeks after their photos.

The Video

The Photos