The first wedding since restrictions were lifted has taken place at St. Andrew’s Church in Heddon on the Wall.

On Wednesday, June 30, Alasdair and Hannah Crowe (formerly Robinson) were married by Reverend Tom Birch at the quaint and peaceful church in the village where the groom went to school.

With their mothers as witnesses, Alasdair and Hannah became the first to sign their names in the new marriage register at the church, which has been changed for the first time since 1837.

After the ceremony and photos outside the church, the reception was held at Langley Castle Hotel, which the bride and groom travelled to in a classic car.

Though restrictions had allowed for a larger number of guests, the wedding was limited to 31 – all close friends and family of the bride and groom.

Reception drinks and more photos were followed by a meal and speeches in the Stuart Suite of the 14th century castle, with band Highway 21 taking to the stage outside in the evening – playing the first dance, Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran, to which the couple danced on the lawn outside. This was followed by covers of classic singalongs with plenty of room for socially-distanced dancing on the grass.

A break for bacon sandwiches and more drinks was followed by a stunning firework display in the castle grounds, which added even more sparkle to the couple’s perfect day.

After returning to the groom’s childhood home the next day for a meal in a marquee, Alasdair and Hannah left for their mini honeymoon. First, an overnight stay in Slaley Hall before carrying onto a cabin in Harrogate – closer to Hannah’s childhood home in Cherry Burton, Yorkshire, just a few miles from where the couple now live in Middleton on the Wolds.

However, once travel restrictions are lifted Alasdair and Hannah are planning a longer trip, currently trying to choose between three options – a trip to New Zealand, a tour of European castles, or a break in Portugal.

In a post on Facebook, bride Hannah said: “It was the most perfect and magical day ever. I felt like I was a Princess from a fairytale, and even better, I got to marry my handsome Prince.

“Huge huge thanks to our family and friends for all of your love, help and generosity. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Alasdair said on Facebook: “We got married! Hannah and I had the most amazing day ever! Thank you so much to all our family and friends, you are all amazing and we are both eternally grateful for all of the love and support you have shown us.”