A COUPLE jetted off to a private villa in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, after getting married at Langley Castle in Northumberland.

Ian and Michelle Hunter chose several ways to celebrate their wedding day.

One was on their own on February 13, 2024, with two witnesses - Michelle's sister Beverley Collingwood and her partner Andrew Wilson - followed by a wedding party with family and friends a week later.

Hexham Courant: Ian and Michelle celebrating their elopementIan and Michelle celebrating their elopement (Image: Booth and Curtis Photography)The pair, a taxi driver and a wedding and special event stationer, first met and dated at the age of 22 for about one year then split up. However, they rekindled their relationship on February 13, 2014, and started dating again. 

The couple then decided that on their 10-year anniversary they would get married, after getting engaged in June 2023.

Hexham Courant: Ian and Michelle all smiles after weddingIan and Michelle all smiles after wedding (Image: Booth and Curtis Photography)

Michelle had her hen-do at Hotel du Vin in Newcastle followed by a party afterwards at home. Ian chose not to have a stag do.

Speaking about the day, Michelle said: "Our 'elopement' wedding was held over three days at Langley Castle, which suited us perfectly. 

"The staff were amazing and the food during our stay was superb. We couldn’t have wished for a better time for our special day.

Hexham Courant: Ian and Michelle tying the knot in front of their witnessesIan and Michelle tying the knot in front of their witnesses (Image: Booth and Curtis Photography)

"The wedding ceremony was everything and more. It was simply perfect. The Registrar from Alnwick Register Office was outstanding and made for a beautiful service.

"We had champagne and canapes after our ceremony with a lovely evening meal in the Venue Restaurant.

"After the wedding, we held a celebration party on February, 24 2024 at The Gibside Hotel, in Whickham, where we all enjoyed an iced fruit cake which was made and supplied by my sister – Bev’s Bakes - followed by our first dance to 'All of Me' by John Legend."

Hexham Courant: Special day for Ian and MichelleSpecial day for Ian and Michelle (Image: Booth and Curtis Photography)

Who helped on the day?

Photographer: Dan Curtis and Crystal Booth – Booth & Curtis https://www.boothcurtisphotography.com/

Bride's dress: Love And Dress UA who are based in Kyiv, Ukraine

Bride's makeup: Alison Petitjean Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist – 17A Duke Street, Darlington

Groom’s ring – Wedding Rings Direct - 7mm double comfort mirror finish sterling silver (1.7mm)

Bride’s rings – The Diamond Store – matching engagement and wedding ring – 1ct diamond - VS1 18ct white gold