Chichester couple finally tie the knot after two wedding postponements - 'It was even more memorable than expected'

As of Monday (April 12), wedding ceremonies and receptions can take place with up to 15 people (including the couple) attending.

Samantha and Matt Kennedy originally booked their wedding day at Southend Barns for August 8 last year but it was postponed until April 11.

"Then when the announcement came out about stage two of the roadmap potentially being on the April 12, we postponed by another 24 hours," the couple said. "Our guest list was condensed from around 80 to just 12 people."

Nonetheless, the smaller wedding meant Samantha and Matt 'could spend more time with each of our guests', and 'not feel rushed to get around everyone'.

They added: "Although it wasn't what we had originally planned, we think our ceremony and drinks reception was even more memorable than expected. Especially as we had not seen the majority of our guests in person since last year.

"As we didn't have an evening party, it meant we also had time after leaving Southend Barns to do our own thing before going to our Air B&B."

As part of their big day, the happy couple walked around Chichester Marina, where Matt proposed three years ago.

Samantha and Matt said the team at Southend Barns 'have been incredible every step of the way', from booking back in 2018, to the first planning meeting, to postponing twice and 'ensuring our wedding day ran smoothly'.

"They also set up a zoom call for our ceremony so all the people who couldn't be there, could still watch us get married," they said.

"Southend Barns have very kindly let us split our ceremony and reception and we are still going to have the planned meal and party next year with all of our friends and family."