Needless to say 2020 has been a year to remember for all the wrong reasons, however glimmers of joy have come from a wide range of places, not least for Sid and Marie Scurfield who were finally able to marry following the second national lockdown

The November lockdown effectively prevented all wedding ceremonies from taking place, as we were once again forced to stay inside, and not meet other households inside or out.

For Marie, 49, and her fiancé Sid, 51, this meant that their wedding on December 2, three years after they first met, could not take place.

However, by pushing it back by just twenty-four hours the happy couple could tie the knot in Kenilworth's first Tier Three wedding, in front of a small number of family and friends.

13 friends and family members joined the now Mr and Mrs Scurfield at St Francis of Assisi Church, Warwick Road, Kenilworth as they became husband and wife.

Marie has lived in Kenilworth since November 2016, and Sid since March 2019; the two met online in 2017 and have been a couple ever since.

As with all things this year, uncertainly remained as to whether Marie and Sid would be able to marry, as the possibility of an extended national lockdown into December prevailed.

Speaking to Kenilworth Nub News Marie said "it was very stressful, but we are very persistent and determined and wanted so much to get married in the Catholic Church and we look forward to a reception post Covid!"

As a result of regulations, no reception was allowed for the newly weds, who also missed out on traditional 'stag' and 'hen' dos for obvious reasons.

The two were able to enjoy cake cutting after the ceremony before heading down to Abbey Fields for toasts, a live saxophonist and photographs.

Whilst theirs wasn't the most conventional wedding service ever, Marie was still delighted with their special day, "Father Kevin gave a lovely homily and made it very special and those of our guests who have attended many weddings said they will definitely remember ours.

"Sid is a lovely, caring man and I'm very lucky. We constantly look at our wedding rings and refer to each other as hubby and wifey, I can't believe we achieved it!"

Marie and Sid had planned to honeymoon in Cornwall, but instead had a change of plan due to tier 3 restrictions preventing travel within the UK but allowing them to jet off to Maldives.

"A honeymoon of a lifetime," says Marie "seeing dolphins, jet skiing and snorkelling for the first time. A Jacuzzi villa over the sea, we saw manta rays, sand sharks, all sorts of different fish, and the stars at night."

The happy couple were able to spend 10 nights away together to get their married life off on the right foot.

Marie and Sid are hoping to host a reception at some point in 2021, restrictions permitting.

In the mean time, we at Kenilworth Nub News send all our best wishes and say many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Sid Scurfield.