A couple who had planned to marry in July this year changed the date to November due to the pandemic. But then they were so concerned that there would be another lockdown, they decided to move the wedding forward and were finally able to tie the knot on October 17.

Karen and Richard Henderson met nine years ago at a darts competition and were always close friends. They had been a couple for four months when Richard proposed in April, 2018.

The wedding took place at Lady Gillford register office in Carlisle with a lilac and deep purple theme.

Karen wore an off-the-shoulder fishtail Victorian-style dress with a pearl tiara, necklace and matching earrings and and carried a bouquet of lilac and deep purple roses mixed with white teardrop roses, purple ribbons and diamante in keeping with the theme.

Her hair was by Esther and Josh Thompson did her make-up.

Lifelong friend Sean Johnson was best man and the bride’s sons Ciaran, Aaron and James Campbell were ushers. They wore lilac and grey tartan suits.

Sarah Edgar was maid of honour and the bride’s daughters Morgan and Niamh Campbell were bridesmaids and carried bouquets of lilac and deep purple roses mixed with white teardrop roses, purple ribbons and diamante in keeping with the theme.

The gold Celtic knot wedding rings came from Glencara in Galway, Ireland. The wedding transport was provided by Excalibur Wedding Cars of Gretna. Karen said: “Their driver was superb, stopped me crying and helped keep me calm.”

A reception for 15 guests was held at Vallum House Hotel, Carlisle. “Elaine and Des from Vallum House went above and beyond to give us an outstanding reception and set up the wedding suite with petals, chocolate and wine. You just wouldn’t get that care and warmth anywhere else,” said Karen.

The three-tiered wedding cake decorated with purple and lilac roses was supplied by Claire’s Bakery, Warwick Road, Carlisle. The guests were entertained by the singer Spud and the couple danced their first dance to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.

Unfortunately the honeymoon to Dublin had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus restrictions. The wedding photographer was Julie Winspear and Karen said: “Julie took some outstanding photos and there was laughter all day.”