Warrington couple celebrate town's first post-lockdown wedding

Sarah and Paul Duffy, from Chapelford, got married on July 10 at Spirit Restaurant in Park Manor.

Despite social distancing and plenty of hand sanitiser, the couple, aged 40 and 41, said the new restrictions didn't take away from their special day.

"We've been together for 16 years and last year we thought, lets do it, let's tie the knot," explained Sarah.

When lockdown was announced, the pair couldn't believe their bad timing.

Luckily, they had only been planning a small wedding and were able to go ahead with their original wedding date, six days after ceremonies were able to commence again.

Sarah said: "When the guests first turned up they couldn't go and sit down because otherwise they would be there for too long.

"They could only sit down when I arrived.

"We had to sanitise our hands before and after exchanging the rings.

"The best man was allowed to come up with rings but we couldn't get too close to him so had to reach to get them.

"When we were signing the register the pen was also sanitised after every person.

"They said the ceremony would be shorter than usual but it didn't seem it at the time."

Sarah and Paul

Sarah's dad was even able to walk her down the aisle as part of her family's social bubble.

The newlyweds have praised the way the venue made sure their wedding was carried out safely.

"They've had to think about a lot because this was their first wedding after lockdown," Sarah said.

"They were really professional.

"We have reminisced since and it didn't take anything away from the ceremony, it was still lovely.

"If anyone out there is getting married soon, there is really nothing to worry about."

Sarah and Paul - Captured by Kate Photography’

During lockdown, Sarah and Paul also welcomed baby Finn into the world, born six weeks early on April 8.

Sarah explained: "He was due in May.

"I was in a conference call when my waters broke!

"Due to lockdown I gave birth without Paul being there, and also with Finn being early he was in neonatal for two weeks and again due to lockdown, we weren’t able to visit him together."

Sarah and Paul are now enjoying married life at home with Finn and three-year-old Eliza.

Sarah and Finn - Captured by Kate Photography’

If you have recently celebrated your wedding, either this year or in 2019, let us know by emailing jessica.farrington@newsquest.co.uk.