15/11/2025
A few months ago a huge mudslide found its way into my home and business. It stopped me trading overnight! I was forced to cancel the last four weddings of the season. Making the call to inform the couples was one of the most awful and traumatic experiences I have had. I go out of my way not to let anyone down, it isn't in my DNA, so to find myself unable to host 4 weddings for these 4 couples left me feeling so bad about myself.
Over the last two and a half months these couples, with the exception of one, have been so understanding and patient. They have supported me and been concerned for me, despite them having to cope with the upset of their plans being totally ruined. I have been humbled by their respect and perspective in relation to this situation being out of my control. I have felt so vulnerable and raw in these last months, really helpless having to truly on loss adjuster and insurers to move things along. I had no control over anything, all I knew was that I needed to get things sorted for my couples asap, and yet, no matter how hard I tried, the loss adjuster just wasn't hearing me. I was trying to offer him the patience my couples were affording me.
But, The loss adjuster dealing with my insurance claim just added to the stress. He has ignored all my emails and calls asking when I might receive a payment to enable me to refund my clients. I finally lost my patience yesterday, and made a formal complaint to the company, and was eventually given someone to work with who managed to make progress, and issue me with an interim payment today! Thus, I was able to contact my couples and finally offer them something positive. I have to say, I have cried with the sheer glimmer of hope this brought amidst all the chaos and pressure of late.
It has been a huge relief for me, as this situation has taken its toll on my health. I have spent many sleepless nights crying and wonder how I could do more for my couples. Plus, I have had to accept the loss of treasured vintage french bed linens, my shepherds huts and hot tub were in the thick of it all, computers, hoovers, washing machine, tumble drier, gorgeous expensive bed spreads, all my crafting materials that I used for my weddings and decorating the venue for my couples, feather bedding, and so much more, have all been ruined or destroyed. The venue looks like a bomb site still...it is devastating and deeply upsetting.
It has been really traumatic and extremely worrying, but the kindness of the couples has been unbelievable, and will forever remain with me in my heart. I feel very blessed that most of them demonstrated sensitivity, and did not seek to add to what was already, and still is, an extremely overwhelming and frightening situation to face and try to make sense of.
Thank you so much for your support and love. It is very special and so are you. I wholeheartedly appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you so very much. ###
