HAPPY DAYS: ON LOVE GOES
We celebrate with couples on their big day at the registry office
The pandemic may have us locked us down again but life – and love – goes on and, after an enforced break, Scotland’s registry offices have continued to celebrate the happiest days during the darkest times.
The Edinburgh Registrar’s Office for Births, Deaths and Marriages was among those lying empty during lockdown. Weddings were postponed, citizenship ceremonies moved online and new parents stayed at home with their babies, instead joining a growing waiting list for birth registrations.
The daily death toll, however, continued to rise dramatically as Covid- 19 claimed hundreds of lives across the city. From their living rooms, home offices and kitchen tables, a small but dedicated team of 20 registrars worked seven days a week to achieve a heart- breaking but essential task – accurately registering every death across Edinburgh to inform the Scottish Government’s daily Covid-19 figures. Presiding over it all has been Karen Watson, registration service manager, who cannot thank and praise her hard-working team highly enough for their continuing efforts, especially as her main office in the city’s Old Town has now reopened to new families and brides and grooms. “Everything changed in 24 hours but we had to think on our feet and keep going. Sleep became a rare occurrence but it’s starting to feel like we’re coming out the other side of it,” said Karen, 57, who has worked in the registrar team for 40 years.
In April alone, the team registered 654 deaths, more than double the amount from 2019. “Early on, the sheer volume of death registrations was very upsetting. It is also one of the most rewarding parts of the job, to know you’ve helped someone through that difficult process, especially when someone has passed away before their time,” she said. “My team has been tremendous.” Now back in the office, Karen’s registrars have been working through a huge backlog of birth registrations, and making sure brides and grooms finally make it to the altar.
“We were facing a backlog of over 2,000 birth registrations since March,” said Karen.
“We were given 24 hours’ notice that weddings were back on outdoors in June. It was incredible how quickly, with the help of our council colleagues in parks, we were able to create a lovely venue in Dunbars Close Gardens. Couples have been so grateful that we’ve made their wedding possible.”
One positive lasting legacy of Covid- 19 is a streamlining of processes that Karen hopes to make permanent, including registering deaths over the phone.
“There has probably been more positives for us than negatives in terms of the way we work,” she said.“people had to register deaths in the office but doing this over the phone, in the comfort of their own home, is easier for those who are bereaved. I hope it’s something we can
continue.”
Newlyweds Jessica and Ethan emerge hand-in-hand from the Alexander Suite of the Edinburgh Registrar’s Office, thrilled and relieved to be married at last. After a whirlwind of cancelled wedding venues due to Covid, the young couple have travelled 160 miles from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire to tie the knot in a small ceremony in front of close family. “I feel so relieved and happy to finally be married. It’s been such a rollercoaster,” says Jessica, 20, her dress glittering in the blazing September sun. “Planning a wedding is stressful at the best of times but we’re onto our third date and sixth wedding venue. A reception venue cancelled just last week but my mum found us another one. It has been stressful but it was actually easier to plan a wedding in Scotland,” she says.
The couple, who have been together for five years and got engaged in January, originally planned to marry on September 18 at a local Yorkshire vineyard, with 60 day-guests plus another 60 for the evening reception. “We’ve no idea when coronavirus will be gone, so we decided to get married and have part two when things calm down. At least we won’t be as nervous,” adds the bride.
On their first visit to Edinburgh, the couple married in a traditional ceremony. At least the unpredictable Scottish weather was on their side. “We’ve planned so many different weddings,” says the groom, Ethan, 21. “At least we’ve been lucky with the weather.” Although marrying in masks, perfectly designed to match Jessica’s dress and Ethan’s suit, was a surreal experience, the couple say their ceremony was perfect, and praise the Edinburgh Registrar’s Office for ensuring their day went as planned.
“One of my biggest worries was wearing a face mask walking down the aisle. I was worried about my makeup! It was surreal but at least we could take them off to say our vows,” adds Jessica.
Social distancing restrictions meant only 12 guests could attend the ceremony, which was live-streamed to other family members and friends via the video conferencing app, Zoom. Ethan’s grandad, Keith, watched the wedding on his phone outside in the courtyard. “It’s a shame but I don’t mind. I’m just so happy for them,” he says, beaming with pride. The bride added: “We were sad to not have everyone here but the main thing is we got married in front of our close family.” Before jumping in a taxi to their reception dinner at Riddle’s Court, followed by a 10-day honeymoon around Scotland, Jessica said: “I can’t believe we’ve done it. Now we can just relax and celebrate!”