A COUPLE was determined on carrying out their dream wedding - just four months on since the bride was placed in an induced coma after contracting Covid-19.

Linda Spowage, a teaching assistant, and Jason Lewis, a regional network manager, first met on a blind date nearly 18 years ago.

Linda said: "Jason is convinced that once we met and I managed to make eye contact he was lost in my eyes and has never looked back. I loved his smile, how he made me laugh and relaxed me with his soothing voice and conversation."

The couple, who live in Newark, became engaged in a 'spur of moment' event outside their favourite jewellers on Linda's 50th birthday.

The smitten pair eloped and married at Cote How Lake District Weddings on February 13 on the edge of Rydal water.

Linda said: "It was just the two of us and essential attendees only – precisely our way and just as we like it."

The Covid-19 pandemic played a large part in the couple's wedding planning. Linda contracted the virus in October 2022 and was placed in an induced coma to allow her to continue breathing.

Jason said: "Unfortunately, the physical effects have been quite dramatic and long lasting as she now needs to get around with a walker or a stick for shorter journeys."

Quite a few aspects of the wedding were altered but the pair was wholly determined to carry out everything they had planned.

They said: "Unfortunately we were beaten in some areas as we intended to visit Rydal caves for pictures but the hike was just way too much for now but we plan to revisit for our first anniversary.

"The day was in simple terms amazing and completely perfect – we both arrived together as we always do and were met with smiles and a warm, friendly welcome. The house was beautifully set up for us with our own welcome sign at the door and candles, just ideal for a winter’s day.

"Wandering around Rydal Water in full wedding garb and being congratulated by multiple families and couples enjoying a hike really made our day all the more special as the excitement was sometimes palpable.

"As we eloped, speeches and first dances were not on the list but we chose to take the traditional vows in the ceremony and opted to take the old fashioned route and write each other a letter to be read when we were alone and married – something that felt right and gave us a far deeper chance to listen to each other in complete peace.

"Our announcement to family and friends was a video tour of the honeymoon location with a finishing close up of both our hands complete with wedding rings. The surprised tones when we made our long-awaited video calls to everyone were definitely stand out moments too."

The newlyweds drove from Cote How up to Scotland where they had booked a cabin on the edge of Loch Lubnaig.

All photography by Tiree Dawson.