A BUCKS couple managed to beat the odds and tie the knot during the coronavirus pandemic – with their wedding breakfast held at Pizza Express.

Kat and Taylor Collins, from Downley, got married in a modest ceremony at Gretna Green, after the pandemic - and lockdown - put a stop to large public gatherings this year.

Mrs Collins told the Bucks Free Press the couple’s wedding, on August 5, hit stormy waters when two of their close relatives passed away in the months leading up to their big day, and a third passed away the day after.

And in another twist, their catering had to be completely cancelled in line with government rules, leaving the pair to come up with a last minute substitute – which they did.

Mrs Collins said: “Our catering was properly cancelled and we ended up having our wedding meal at Pizza Express, which we loved.”

The bride, who wore an A-line dress with embroidered lace on top and a floaty, chiffon-style skirt on her special day, said despite all the difficulties, there was one part of her wedding that made it all worth it.

She said: “[It was] the moment when we walked into the courtyard room [at Gretna Hall Hotel] and realised that we were actually going to be able to do this despite all of the uncertainty.”

The groom wore a three-piece grey suit with light blue checks.

Speaking about the proposal, she told the BFP Mr Collins popped the question abroad.

She said: “Taylor proposed to me on the last day of our first holiday abroad in Benidorm.

“We had no significant plans for our final day of holiday so Taylor decided it was best spent shopping for an engagement ring.”

Mrs Collins has thanked everyone who made their wedding possible despite the difficult circumstances, including the couple’s family and bridal party “who just made everything work”, the staff at the venue and at Pizza Express “for making the day magical despite restrictions” and their minister Paula.

She added: “[I also want to thank] all our other friends who helped us and supported us whilst we were nervous and miserable – shout out to Debbie Howlett.”

Kat and Taylor managed to have their honeymoon in Turkey after their original honeymoon was cancelled. Their wedding reception has been postponed.

Weddings were banned when the national lockdown began on March 23. Once lockdown was lifted, they were allowed to go ahead with 30 people from July 4.

Stricter measures were brought in from September in England, in a bid to stem the surging second wave, with the number of people allowed capped at 15.

Did you get married during the pandemic? You can share your special day with us by filling out this simple online form.