Wantage church holds its first wedding since lockdown

After five years of being engaged, Anya Amies, 30, and Tommy Allan, 28, will finally tie the knot on Saturday at St Peter and St. Paul's Church in Wantage.

The couple were originally due to get married on May 2, but were forced to postpone the ceremony as the pandemic took hold in the UK.

This will be the first ceremony to take place at the Wantage parish church since lockdown began, and the two had to make further changes to adhere to Government restrictions.

The future Mrs Allan revealed that only their immediate family will be able to attend.

She said: "We had to really reduce our numbers, so it will only be our children, parents and siblings attending.

"Originally we planned to have 80 people coming to the church and then we had around another 40 joining the celebrations in the evening."

The 30-year-old revealed it has not been an easy ride planning their dream day.

She explained: "We got engaged in June last year, so that we could have plenty of time to organise the whole event.

"Originally we were going to host a big party at Letcombe Regis Village Hall, but instead we will be having dinner at the Bear Hotel (in Wantage).

"We also spent a lot of money on deposits for caterers for example, which thankfully we have been able to claim back.

"A lot of companies have been really helpful and accommodating with the change in plans, so we have been lucky.

"The worst part is that only 15 people are allowed to attend the wedding – this includes myself, Tommy and our three children, so it only leaves 10 attendees who will have to wear face masks and socially distance."

But despite the hardships, Miss Amies said she was 'thrilled' to finally marry the 'love of her life'.

The two met eight years ago in Costa Coffee shop in Wantage town centre where Mr Allan worked at the time.

Talking about the first time she saw her fiancee, Ms Amies said: "It was definitely love at first sight.

"A friend of mine also worked at the coffee shop, so I asked her for Tommy's number.

"I was the first to reach out and I am so happy I did it as we have been together ever since."

Three years later the couple travelled to Paris where Mr Allan proposed on the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Miss Amies remembered: "It was so romantic – it was in the evening and all the lights were on.

"I definitely cried because of all the emotions."

The ceremony that will begin at 2pm will be performed by Father Philip Wells, who was installed as vicar of Wantage in March last year after the beloved 'motorbike vicar' of Wantage John Salter retired after 25 years of dedicated service.