WEDDING suppliers who have been badly hit by the coronvairus emergency set out to show they are still in business by holding a competition to showcase their work.

Four Chippenham business women came together to organise the event with Copper and Blossom Photography doing the pictures, Burnt Orange the decorations, Mrs F the cakes and flowers by Blooming Chic.

Alex Wood of Burnt Orange said: “We wanted to show there is still a lot to look forward to, and to show that us wedding suppliers are still very much open for business, and eager to get back to weddings again.

“This was a great opportunity to feel like we were working again, and made all the more special knowing it’s really cheered up a wonderful couple who have been through a lot in the last few months.”

The lockdown to combat Covid-19 meant that all weddings had to be put on hold and many couples were left distressed by having to postpone their big day.

Even now with restrictions being lifted couples can only have 30 guests at their ceremony.

But thanks to the contest, which attracted more than 100 entries, Chippenham couple Michelle Godwin, 24, and Mike Wilkins, 24, who had been forced to postpone their wedding until July this year could enjoy a very special time.

Their prize was a wonderful day at Grittleton House, near Chippenham, which included a photoshoot in the grounds, a two-tier semi-naked wedding cake with hand painted gold drip and edible pearl details, a bouquet of beautiful flowers with peonies, roses and jasmine and time spent in the Orangery specially decorated with a steel octagon frame and neon sign.

To top it off Grittleton House provided a bottle of Prosecco for them to take home.”

The couple owe the amazing day to friends who put them forward saying: “I’d like to nominate my best friend who has had to worry about postponing her wedding to her childhood sweetheart due to how this will impact on an unwell family members involvement.

“She never fails to amaze me with her continued positivity and ability to always be there for me despite all that she has going on. She really does deserve this.”

Another said: “My beautiful friend Michelle. It’s been a tough year for her with family health issues… but as ever she is coping like a queen!”

The couple had been due to marry this July but will now have to wait until May next year.

They had been planning the big day for 15 months before being forced to postpone.

Kate Southall from Cooper and Blossom said: “The wedding industry has been hit hard by Covid-19.

“With weddings not able to take place, many couples who had booked peak-season dates have been forced to postpone their celebrations.

“With weddings on pause, a group of suppliers in Chippenham decided to arrange a special giveaway to let one couple experience a small taste of their wedding to help cheer them up and provide them with some happy memories during this crazy time.”