MUTUAL friends brought one lovestruck couple together before they eloped to the Lakes for their perfect wedding.
Bethany Negus, 27, a paediatric nurse and Ben Golfin, 28, an IT technician opted for an elopement wedding in Windermere for their special day.
The couple first met through mutual friends before later finding each other again on a dating site.
Mrs Golfin said: “We met through friends trying to set us up. Ben thought I was taken, so didn’t make a move, but then shortly after found each other again on a dating site.
The couple got engaged in Vienna in November 2018 at a Christmas Market.
Mrs Golfin said: “It was a surprise although I knew something was happening due to Ben’s strange behaviour.”
The pair planned on tying the knot in April, however, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The couple then decided to elope to the Lake District instead.
“We decided that we just want to be married, so slowly fell in love with the idea to elope; just the two of us,” Mrs Golfin said.
“We picked Cragwood Country House Hotel and set the date.”
The pair said ‘I do’ on October 13 with just themselves and two witnesses.
Mrs Golfin said: “As it was just the two of us we got ready together, there is no one else I’d rather be excited and nervous with than Ben. We had breakfast in the room, then we surprised each other with gifts.
“Ben got me a photo book of memories we share together and I got Ben cufflinks with the handwriting of his late grandmother on.
“Then I had my hair and makeup done by Kim from The Hair Lounge, she was lovely and did an amazing job.Then Roo Stain, our videographer, arrived; he was very calming for us and it felt as if we’d known him for a while. When Ben was ready, he left the room so I could get dressed and we could do a first look. I loved this- it made the morning feel more special.
“We then had a moment together before walking down the ‘aisle’ together to Toothpaste Kisses by The Maccabees - a moment I’ve always wanted and dreamed of since being a teenager. We then had the ceremony (which I cried throughout) and had our photographer Tiree Dawson and Videographer Roo Stain as our witnesses - what an honour and lovely opportunity for us.
“After the ceremony we wandered round the grounds. We enjoyed exploring the area as it is just so stunning.We then had some time to ourselves so we called our families, followed by a lovely meal.”
Instead of a honeymoon, the couple took a trip to Grange and the Cotswolds.
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