STRONG winds and rain could not dampen a happy couple's perfect wedding day.

P.E. Teacher Donna Hillman, 37 and BAE Operations Manager John Burgess, 37 tied the knot amongst their closest family and friends.

They first met on a night out in the Spring of 2012 after meeting one another at Theatre Bar based on Cavendish Street, Barrow.

Donna said: “It was so full that we just ended up next to each other.”

When they first met Donna said how much she noticed how ‘funny’ and ‘very chatty’ John is.

She also mentioned how ‘intrigued’ she was by him after they shared stories of their love of food.

Both would say they are 'big foodies’ who love to get out to meals with friends. Their favourite restaurant is L'al Churrasco, a tapas restaurant in Ulverston.

John would describe Donna as a 'bubbly' character who he felt a 'natural attraction' towards.

Shortly after meeting they went for their first date at the Vue cinema in Barrow followed by drinks at The Duke Edinburgh and a night out.

They then officially became a couple in September 2012 and moved in together in Autumn 2013 to a house at Infield Gardens, Barrow.

The next major milestone was the birth of their son Henry who was born on April 11 2015. It was a difficult time for the couple as Henry was born 13 weeks premature and the family was in and out of hospital for six months after his birth. However, Donna mentioned how this brought her and John closer together.

They then had their second son Arthur in June 2017. Henry is now four and has just started at Chetwynde School and Arthur is now 2.

John then proposed to Donna on Christmas Eve 2017. Donna was at the time at the kitchen sink and when she turned round there John was down on one knee.

The couple then got married on August 10 2019. There ceremony was held at St Mary's Church on Walney and their reception was held at Rampside Village Hall.

They always wanted to celebrate their special day by the coast as John is from Walney. Donna said: "Everything was fairly relaxed and was just one big party from start to finish."

Pete Murphy was DJ and compère, Jonny William played the bongos and there was also a band called 'My Mate Kate'. Guest were also treated to fish and chips.

In total there was 140 guests. Donna said: "Everyone loved it and said how it was the best wedding they have ever been to."

The couple also diverted from the traditional speech format opting for an entertaining game ran by their best man, which all the guests really enjoyed. Despite gale force winds throughout the day nothing could dampen the celebrations.

The couple would like to offer special thanks to the following people and businesses. They would like to thank DJ Pete Murphy, everyone from the Lakes magicians, Posh flowers, Fellside Brides, Coco Hair & Beauty, Cumbria Classic Coaches, Mister Mister and the band My Mate Kate. They would also like to thank their amazing photographer Steve Hillman, who you can learn more about at www.stevehillmanphotography.co.uk or by contacting him on 07743 135 734. They would lastly like to thank all their family and friends.