A COUPLE who were the first to hold their wedding at an historic church post-lockdown were able to forget about the coronavirus pandemic for a couple of hours.

Matthew, who works for the Army at Colchester Garrison, and Chantelle Green, who works at BC Designs in Elmstead Market, were married at St Nicholas’ Church in Harwich.

And despite it not being the celebration they had originally hoped, Chantelle, 25, said it was a lovely day.

She said: “When we went in there, I forgot about everything that was happening in the world.

“Coronavirus was completely out of my mind, it was a sweet break from reality.

“I was lucky my dad could walk me down the aisle, obviously at a social distance, but it was great.

“We just wanted to be married and that’s what we got.”

After the religious ceremony, the couple and close family members who totalled only 26, celebrated with food and drinks in a big garden.

“Everyone loved it and celebrated our special day with us,” she added.

“It was nice to have our families there.”

Chantelle, of Abbott Road, Dovercourt, also thanked the Rev Canon Margaret Shaw for her support when it was uncertain if the wedding would go ahead during the pandemic.

She said: “She has been wonderful and supportive through lockdown as there were constant emails and phone calls as we were hoping to still get married on July 4.

“Obviously we still had to wait until the Government gave the go-ahead but Margaret was so helpful throughout it all. We are so thankful.

“The service was lovely and she went through everything with us the day before the wedding.

“With such short notice she made it so special.”

Now the happy couple are looking forward to celebrating their marriage with another ceremony next year and full reception.

“We’re excited for next year when we can do this all over again but with our friends,” said Chantelle.

The couple will remarry in the church next July and hold a reception at The Waterfront in Dovercourt for about 200 people.

Chantelle and Matthew have also delayed their honeymoon. They were supposed to go to Mauritius but it was cancelled. However, they are hoping to rebook it for after the celebrations next year.

Rector at St Nicholas, Mrs Shaw also said everything went smoothly despite the restrictions.

She said: “We kept to the restrictions and it was a happy occasion, everybody was understanding.

“There’s more work to do prior the wedding and on the day, but it’s worth it. It was lovely to wed them.

“It has been a difficult few months for everybody, but it’s good to remind people there are things we can celebrate and enjoy in times like these.

“I was excited for the occasion, but a bit nervous due to the restrictions, but it was easy to cope with it.

“It was lovely to bring joy and hope to people’s lives.”