Sally and Tristan's civil partnership was in Morden Park House, a local venue, very dear to me as in 2019 Robert and I decided to renew our wedding vows there.

I’ve been living in the borough of Merton for quite a few years, and I absolutely love how green and friendly it is. Somehow the COVID-19 experience has made this area a real home to me.

Definitely, the ‘On My Doorstep Photographic Project’ has played a major role. I deeply love cycling around.

I adore chatting with people and getting to know the local residents.

So, when Sally asked me to photograph her special day I was very happy, knowing that she lives in the most magical part of the borough, Merton Park. Sally and Tristan's civil partnership was a colourful celebration, full of little details, with not many people but a lot of big smiles and joyful emotional moments.

I asked them to share with us a little bit of their day.

I’m sure that you will agree with me when I say, that they look like celebrities from a vintage glossy magazine. So stylish and quintessential.

The perfect representation of the most loving and caring couple.

Thank you Sally and Tristan for inviting me to photograph your special day, it was a real honour!

What do you both do for a living?
Tristan is retired now after a career in social housing. Sally continues to do some work as an executive coach and professional editor.

How you met, your love story, how long have you been together?
We met as housing activists in Westminster. Our love story is our secret! We’ve lived together for 44 years, in Westminster, Stoke Newington, and Wimbledon.

How important today’s event is for you and why have decided to do it after so many years together?
It’s an important landmark in our lives together. We decided to do it now because civil partnerships had finally become possible for heterosexual couples. Our decision was also prompted when one of us became ill.

The best part of today?
The enthusiasm, kindness, and practical help from everyone: from Paola, who encouraged us to make the most of our home setting; the jewellers who made our rings; the three sisters whose bakery was shut during the lockdown, but who made our Sicilian cakes as a special favour; the florist who delivered exactly what we’d hoped for; and the owner and staff of the restaurant who made our Covid-limited party of six so welcome… But most of all our neighbours, who did everything to make our celebration modest but still special: stepping in to organise and decorate the garden; gathering everyone to see us off on the way to the registry office, and taking care of drinks in the garden the following day. To top it all, the weather was suddenly wonderfully summery after cold days of grey clouds and rain.

How have COVID-19 restrictions affected you?
We wanted a low-key ceremony, so it suited us that numbers at the registry office were restricted – just us and our two witnesses. Paola was also with us, though her movements were strictly limited: she had to take all the photographs without leaving her seat!

Anything else you would like to share with us?
Although the ceremony and our celebrations were modest, we did want to create some lovely memories of the day. That’s why we asked Paola, whom we knew previously, to act as our photographer.

Paola was an inspired choice, as shown by this selection of comments from our friends:

What a pleasure it’s been to share your incredible day! Paola de Paola did a fantastic job and we truly feel that we shared it with you too!

Watching Paola’s slide show. Her photographs are wonderful! She has captured the day so well, from beginning to end. Such lovely memories of a very special celebration.

Hiya - just looked at the photos - absolutely glorious!!!

They're delightful, a really lovely record of the day and event.

The pictures are beautiful. You must be so pleased.

Thank you for sending the photos. I looked at them all and thought they were wonderful. You both looked lovely and happy despite the restrictions in place.

You both look like you had a very enjoyable day, and the photos make lots of happy memories.

These photos are wonderful! They really capture the day. There are some shots of the two of you that are so very moving and beautiful.

Please, get in touch if you are looking for a wedding photographer in Twickenham, Richmond or London.