A SMITTEN couple who met at football practice had the 'best day of their lives' after tying the knot.

Bethany-Ann Hulton, a maths teacher, has married Joshua Jackson, a buyer, during a dream wedding ceremony at the Abbey House Hotel in Barrow.

The couple, who are both 24 and from Manchester, met while Joshua was playing football.

"My friends played for the same football team so I watched them play every week," Bethany said.

"I had never spoken to Josh before until he turned up in the new United shirt and I said it looked smart and it all started from there. I really liked how comfortable he made me feel around him and he always made me laugh. Josh said he liked my humour and my interest in football."

The lovestruck pair got engaged on Bethany's 21st birthday during a meal out with both families.

"Half way through the meal he brought in a large box and said he had a surprise for me," Bethany said.

"As I opened it, it was a set of cupcakes which said 'Beth, will you marry me'.

"As I looked to the left he was down on one knee and I just burst out crying. I obviously said yes! I was in complete shock but so happy."

The couple got married at Abbey House Hotel and Gardens in Barrow, with 80 people during the day and 100 people during the night.

The night before the wedding Josh's mum gave him his grandad's pocket watch and cufflinks so he could be there with Josh on the day of the wedding.

"This meant more to Josh than anyone will ever know," Bethany said.

"It is safe to say it was the best day of our lives. As I was getting ready with my bridesmaids Josh’s groomswoman walked in with a gift from Josh and it was a Tiffany bracelet. This was the start of me being emotional throughout the whole day as I have always wanted a Tiffany bracelet.

"Me and my dad, Gary Hulton, walked down the aisle to 'A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

"Nothing will ever compare to that moment. I felt so lucky to have such a special person walk me down the aisle. When it came to saying our vows I was holding back the tears. It felt like we had waited so long to get married and then the time had finally arrived.

"I felt so lucky to be marrying my best friend. One of our stand out moments was the speeches. It was really lovely to share all our amazing memories with our closest family and friends. The DJ said our wedding was the best wedding he had ever been part of. Everyone was up dancing the whole night. One of the stand out moments for me was seeing my brother's reaction to me walking down the aisle. Our first dance was to 'I won’t give up' by Jason Miraz.We couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through the dance and we were just talking about how much we loved the day and how perfect it was."

The newlyweds are hoping to honeymoon in the US next year. All photos were taken by Ladybirds Photography.