A BESOTTED couple exchanged vows in a beautiful church setting alongside their nearest and dearest.

Charlotte Hawksworth, 31, who works in hospital admin, and Christian Downing, 32, who works as an offshore electrical technician said 'I do' in St Mary’s Church on Walney.

The pair, who are both from Barrow, had known each other for seven years before getting together.

"I loved how Christian made me laugh when we met and kept making me try new foods," Mrs Downing said.

"I also loved how amazing he was with my daughter when they met."

The couple became engaged on December 29 2019 after a family meal out.

Mrs Downing said: "We had been out celebrating a family meal and drinks during the night.

"We arrived home festively merry, the time just felt right.

"So in front of a twinkling Christmas tree Christian proposed with a ring he’d bought several months earlier but hadn’t found the right time due to the chaos of welcoming our daughter into the world only a few months prior."

The smitten pair got married at St Mary’s Church on Walney - which is where both Mr Downing's parents and grandparents tied the knot.

"Despite not being deeply religious people it was important to us both to be married in a church, everything from the tradition to the beautiful setting," Mrs Downing said.

Around 70 people attended the church ceremony and 80 people went to to the evening do at the Abbey House Hotel in Barrow.

Mrs Downing said: "Virtually everything went perfectly on the day, even the fact the weather was the best day within a month either side, at a mild 20 degrees in October and the sun shining.

"Eftal Ezgin, our photographer, was amazing, a funny and charming man who put us both at ease and made the photos at the church, venue and some at Priory woods in Ulverston a really enjoyable experience.

"Everything Abbey House did was brilliant, from the dressing of the room, running the day and the services and hospitality provided.

"Highlights of the day were dancing with our children, our walk in to the reception to one of my favourite songs 'Dynamite' by Westlife. We had the bridal and grooms party letting off confetti cannons to a certain point in the song as we walked in.

"Also the best man's speech by Christian's brother Reece, which many commented was the best and funniest they’d ever heard.

"The band, 'My Mate Kate', added something special to the evening and everyone had such a great time dancing the night away along with DJ Pete Murphy.

"We had a wonderful day and, from the feedback from guests, it seemed everyone agreed."

The newlyweds embarked on a honeymoon to Tenerife after the wedding and enjoyed a sun-soaked relaxing week.