It was a beautiful day, at Juliette and Matt’s home in Solihull. They had invited their very closest friends, those without whom, they said, they would not be here. Friends that had been like a rock to them during this difficult year since they lost their son Ben.
Juliette and Matt lost Ben at full term last year and have gone through much heartache this year. They then suffered a miscarriage, but have gone on to try again for another baby, and Juliette is currently pregnant and due at the end of February 2014. They have very courageously let us film them on their journey through this very difficult pregnancy and we will be following their progress right up to the birth of their new baby. They are an amazing couple and so open and honest with their feelings. They have worked so hard during this year to raise money for Sands and other baby charities, and Juliette is now working closely with the Lily Mae Foundation, and we will be filming their Christmas service next weekend.
The party was a lovely occasion and it was great to meet Juliette and Matt’s closest friends. The support and affection they had for each other was very evident. We also had the pleasure to meet Sara and Simon, another couple who lost their son Dylan around a similar time to Juliette and Matt. They actually met at the graveside of their son’s and have become incredibly close friends and a great support to each other since.
Everyone was invited to write tags with messages to Benjamin.
At 4pm these were tied to some beautiful balloons and there was a balloon release. Juliette and Matt both said a few words at this point and it was very moving and more than a few tears were shed.
Lanterns and candles were lit, with a butterfly theme, very meaningful to those that have lost their babies.
There was then lovely cakes and a few beers and it was lovely to see how much friends matter during such difficult times and how wonderful it was that Matt and Juliette have reached out to their friends and had such great support from them.
It was lovely to be part of today. Our crew was:
Emma Dalesman DoP, David Mitchell Sound Recordist, Director Debbie Howard, Producer Colin Pons.
Thanks to Juliette and Matt for inviting us along today. And sending lots of love to baby Ben on his first birthday.