02/10/2026
It’s time to get inspired. If you feel like you need to be uplifted this is the post to read - Seven years paralysed and this was the day Claire got to stand!
This year we’ve had a lot of couples who have emotionally touched our hearts with the challenges they’ve conquered before their ‘happily ever after’. I know it sounds super corny, but it’s true and we get to capture it.
Claire and Mat’s wedding was unbelievably inspiring and one we’ll remember forever.
We first met Mat and Claire years ago while photographing at Mat’s thriving triathlon business, , where he met Claire. Fast forward a few years and I find myself being part of their wedding day.
Sport has always been such a huge part of their relationship, and Claire’s own sporting journey has been pretty extraordinary.
In 2019, she became European Triathlon Champion in her age group, won the Ironman UK 70.3 and the London Triathlon, with her sights set firmly on turning professional.
Then, on 28 August 2019, Claire was involved in a collision with a tractor while out cycling. She suffered devastating injuries, including a complete spinal cord injury which left her paralysed from the waist down.
But sport was never something Claire was prepared to leave behind. She returned to competition, becoming British Paraduathlon Champion, winning the National Paratriathlon Series and completing Mat & Dale’s 255 Triathlon where her and Mat got to know each other.
Throughout all of her trauma, together with Mat, they are one of the most uplifting couples, who love life (and sport!)
Her wedding day goal was to STAND alongside Matt as they said their vows and, with a makeshift roller, they achieved the impossible. They stood together, happily reading their vows whilst everyone else in the church cried with happiness.
It was lovely to see them surrounded by the people who mean the most to them, celebrating everything they’ve built together, and being there to photograph this chapter felt pretty special.
Congratulations Mat & Claire. We’re so happy we got to be a tiny part of your huge milestone. 🤍
