Angela & Rich

Last December, it seemed impossible to imagine that this day would unfold for Rich and Angela the way it did. Angela had been in a terrible accident and had broken her pelvis in two pieces on the left side, and into countless puzzle pieces on the right. After two surgeries and more metal than she cares to consider, six blood transfusions, more than three months in a wheel chair, and much love and care by the sweetest man in the world, Angela not only found her way back to health, but indeed accepted a marriage proposal from Rich. And so not so long after it all seemed like it was over, they were starting again, and so it was fitting that they should choose to say their vows and start their life together in such a special place as the Unfinished Church.

The sweet service was performed by Reverend David Raths of St Peter's Church. David Frith played the bagpipes which added to the festivity and emotion of the whole event.

The couple chose Bermuda because they love both the island's people and its wonderful scenery. They have always loved St George's and while searching online for the perfect location full of both charm and uniqueness for their simple ceremony, they found the Unfinished Church. Those old grey stone ruins spoke to Angela and she knew that she and Rich would start their life together amid those beautiful windowless walls and dramatic tumbling columns. They couple were thrilled when it all came to fruition.

Angela wore her maternal grandmother's pearls, given to her by her grandfather on her 47th birthday. She also wore a diamond princess ring that her father, Sonny, had given her mother, Billie. Pinned on the inside of her dress was her paternal grandmother's cameo pin, and she also wore a pearl bracelet that had belonged to Rich's mother, Betty. So much history and family heirlooms graced the wedding ceremony, even though it was just the two of them there in person.

The bride's engagement ring is a diamond band with a pear shaped diamond in the centre. The diamond wedding mand matches the engagement ring and they look stunning together. Rich's wedding ring is a white gold band with rose gold inlays.

The bouquet was hand tied with a navy satin ribbon enhancing the deep blu of the hydrangeas, which complemented the ivory roses, white freesia and pale green orchids.

Rich looked positively dapper in his tropical navy suit, white shirt and navy, green and white striped silk tie.

Angela's dress was a shantung silk, fit and flare gown in candlelight with ruching. It was designed by Jenny Lee Couture, and for the ceremony part, the bride also wore an Alencon lace shrug with scattered pearls and a matching clutch. She had sweet scented white freesias in her hair with a chapel length veil.

After the pair had tied the knot and we had captured some shots of the newlyweds in the Unfinished Church, we slipped down to the beach to take a few more photos with Bermuda's dazzling turquoise waters as a backdrop. Although it was high noon and boiling hot, the light was perfect and just to feel the sand and hear the sea made the dream wedding complete.

After the wedding, the couple hoped to take a ferry back to their hotel in Hamilton. They missed the boat by minutes, but ended up having lunch in a local pub on the square and taking the bus into the city which was a hoot and they were lavished with attention.

Angela and Rich - your story of what you have survived is beautiful and will give you much strength in the years to come - I wish you all the best in this new journey you are taking together. Happy 2001 and all the blessings it may bring you. xxx