A HAPPY couple had the wedding day of their dreams surrounded by family and friends.

Megan Ann Wilkin, 27, and Chris Bainbridge, 32, of Armathwaite, made their vows at St Nicholas’s Church, in Lazonby, in front of more than 90 guests before celebrating at the Heather Glen Country House at Ainstable.

The bride and groom fell in love after meeting at the Christmas Eve nativity in Kirkoswald and were engaged in January 2017.

Megan, a senior teaching assistant, stunned guests in a v-neck Palpito dress by La Sposa which she teamed with a Cathedral-length Bianco veil, both from the Eden Wedding Boutique.

Her hair was done by Jade Hodgson and make-up was done by Kylie Banks of the Beauty Loft, Penrith.

Emma McAleese, the bride’s sister, was her maid of honour. Her best friend Tracey Hardcastle and cousins Louisa Bowman and Grace Bowman were bridesmaids, with the couple’s niece Evalyn McAleese doing the honours as their flower girl.

Chris, a vehicle technician, was supported by his best man Simon Little and friends Rudy Dixon, Michael Blenkharn and Jason Hardcastle who carried out the ushers’ duties. Oliver McAleese, the bride and groom’s nephew, was page boy.

The bridal party travelled in style in a Jaguar XJL and a Land Rover Defender supplied by B-Spoke by Spike.

After the ceremony Megan, Chris and their 91 guests enjoyed an afternoon reception at the Heather Glen, with a further 40 guests arriving for the evening reception

The wedding had an autumnal theme which was reflected in the bouquets, supplied by Lisa of Penrith, and their three-tired wedding cake, which was supplied by the Cutie Pie Cake Company.

The couple, who spent their honeymoon in a log cabin in York, chose Ed Sheeran’s Perfect for their first dance and No Band Required entertained the guests at the evening reception.

Their special day was captured by Jason Chambers Photography, from Keswick, and the bride’s uncle made a video of the occasion for the couple to cherish forever.