A FORMER heroin addict turned staff nurse has tied the knot with the love of his life in a 'perfect' ceremony.

Cavan McKenna, 30, from Barrow, a staff nurse in the haematology unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and Stephen Nattrass, 53, who is retired, have said 'I do' at a wedding chapel on Blackpool seafront.

The smitten pair first locked eyes on a night out in Blackpool and immediately clicked.

Mr McKenna, now Nattrass, said the couple are 'complete opposites' but provide a 'happy balance'.

He said: "We met in Blackpool on a night out in the Flamingos night club.

"We got talking in the club and we just clicked and enjoyed each other’s sense humour.

"We are complete opposites I'm very laid back with life and try not to take it seriously but Stephen is the happy balance that makes sure I’m successful in all other I choose such as my nursing career."

The pair got engaged on May 11 2021 after becoming closer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It was all quick and exciting," the couple said.

"It was a mutual decision between us.

"With Covid coming along and the lockdowns we became closer and realised our love for each other and wanted to bond as one. We were best mates, now lovers so why not get married and unite as one."

The couple got married on July 9 at the wedding chapel on Blackpool seafront, followed by a meal at the Cartford Inn, in little Eccleston, Lancashire with 10 guests including their family members.

The pair said: "After the meal, we then went back home with a small group of family and friends and had a lovely garden party which to us was our perfect day.

"It would have been nice to have had all our families there but due to the restrictions it wasn’t possible so we will see them at different stages.

"Cavan is one of six boys who are all close so would have liked each of them to be there with him.

"We are quite simple lads it was just special with the people that were there.

"The meal at the Cartford is perfect and the food is always amazing.

"The Cartford Inn holds a special place in our hearts and they went above and beyond with making the afternoon special and private for us."

The newlyweds are planning on honeymooning abroad once restrictions are eased.

The couple said: "We are planning to take a honeymoon abroad when all restrictions allow us to.

"We're not sure where though as of yet. As we holiday regularly we will be going somewhere we haven’t been before that is on our bucket list, Vietnam is up there so maybe there."