Lovestruck couple had Ulverston wedding of dreams despite Covid restrictions

Joanne Dodd, 38, a teacher at Cartmel Priory School and John Press, 42, who works at Simpson & Parsons Insurance in Windermere, said 'I do' in an intimate ceremony in Ulverston.

HAPPY: The newlyweds first met online in 2017 whilst living in Guernsey. Kolette Cartmel Photography

Mrs Press, who is originally from Barrow, first met her husband-to-be in his home of Guernsey. The pair met online in 2017 whilst living on the island - and sparks immediately flew on the first date.

"We went for some drinks at a few different pubs in Guernsey and really hit it off," Mrs Press said.

"We got along really well. He just seemed really genuine and kind. He had a great smile too. It felt so natural."

FAMILY: The couple was joined by 15 guests for their big day. Kolette Cartmel Photography

The couple moved to Ulverston three years ago to be closer to Mrs Press' family after her mum was diagnosed with dementia.

In December 2019, the pair took their relationship to the next step after Mr Press popped the question.

"It was a mutual decision," Mrs Press said.

"It felt like the right thing to do - I was really excited."

SPECIAL: Joanne and John Press tied the knot at St Mary’s Church in Ulverston. Kolette Cartmel Photography

The couple's wedding, which was originally booked for May last year, had to be cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.

Mrs Press said: "Everyone was originally coming over from Guernsey and had booked their flights then everything had to be cancelled. We decided when we went into a second lockdown that we were going to have a nice, quiet wedding which was a bit more relaxed and low key."

The couple tied the knot at St Mary's Church in Ulverston on December 12 followed by a reception at the church hall with 15 guests.

RINGS: The couple is hoping to have another reception in Guernsey in summer. Kolette Cartmel Photography

Mrs Press said: "It was just a really nice day. It was special and intimate - and we got to spend a lot of time with our family and friends.

"It was smaller than we'd imagined but we got to spend a lot of time with everyone there.

"It felt like it was just about us and being together and wanting to be husband and wife.

"We would've preferred if John's family could've been there but they were able to watch it online on a video link. It was really nice people could tune in and feel part of the day."

The couple's now 18 month baby Eleanor also made a special appearance on the day.

"She managed to walk down the aisle when she was only just one which was really special," Mrs Press said.

BEAUTIFUL: The couple described their wedding as ‘intimate’ and ‘special’. Kolette Cartmel Photography

The newlyweds hope to have another reception in Guernsey this summer among friends and family who were unable to attend.

All photography in the article is by Kolette Cartmel Photography.