A NEWLY-WED couple created history and shared their day with friends on the other side of the world thanks to the wonders of modern technology.

Aimee and Adam Barratt, who live in Birch, tied the knot at St Mary’s Church, in Dedham.

Due to Government restrictions, the lovebirds were only able to have a limited number of guests at their ceremony which was followed by a reception at Le Talbooth.

However, the service was streamed live on the internet - the first live streaming at the historic church - so friends could watch on in New Zealand.

“The ceremony was our favourite part of the day and saying our vows in front of everyone was just the best,” said Mrs Barratt.

“Our wedding was the first to be streamed live at Dedham church.

“We only got the green light for that to happen three days before as the cameras were installed in the build-up to our wedding. It meant family members, work colleagues and some friends from New Zealand could all be there and we had about 40 people watching. It was overwhelming.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

St Mary’s Church is an important focal point of Dedham’s picturesque High Street.

The wonders of modern technology are in stark contrast to its rich history.

Although there has been a church in the village since at least 1322, the present building was built and dedicated to St Mary the Virgin in 1492.

Mr and Mrs Barratt, 35 and 31 respectively, had originally been due to get married on April 4.

Instead, they had to frantically rearrange their big day and they just managed to fit it in before updated Government restrictions would have forced them to reduce their guest list to 15.

“Our original wedding would have been on the first hot day of 2020,” added Mrs Barratt.

“It was absolutely beautiful and nothing like our wedding, when it was so windy my veil flew off before I walked into church.

“Boris Johnson then changed Government guidelines on the Wednesday. We were due to get married on the Friday, which meant we could still have 30 people. By the Monday, however, weddings were down to just 15.

“I feel so lucky to have had the day we had. It was special and memorable and certainly a day we’ll never forget.”