THE rush to rearrange a wedding in just four minutes proved worth it for newly weds Simon Brown and Stephanie Brown.

The couple were due to get married on October 3 but pulled it forward to September 26 when they found out that the Government was restricting wedding guest numbers from 30 to 15 on the week of their wedding.

Stephanie, the daughter of Haydon Bridge couple Steven and Caroline Brown, phoned All Saints Church, in Cleadon, where they were to marry, wedding reception venue Derwent Manor Hotel, in Allensford, and all suppliers to enquire about the change of plans, and they all played their part in ensuring the Browns' special day was as perfect as they hoped it would be.

Stephanie (30) met Simon (31), the son of Trevor and Jacqueline Brown, when she started work at Newcastle Airport in 2008 as a check in agent, as Simon worked as an airline dispatcher for the same company at the time. He is now a pilot.

They got engaged on New Year's Day in 2019 when Simon demanded he was first foot at a house party hosted by Stephanie's family.

Stephanie explained: " At midnight I opened the door where Simon was down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was speechless at first but of course I said yes."

The couple's respective stag and hen parties abroad were cancelled due to Covid-19, but they did both manage to have drinks with friends and family in Newcastle.

The bride wore a dress and veil from the Blue Bow Bridal Company.

Stephanie's sister Lindsay Grimshaw was the maid of honour, while Nikki Johnson and Jenna Wilson, friends of the bride, were bridesmaids.

Stephanie's niece Ariana Grimshaw, the bride's goddaughter Ava McNeil and Olivia Tilley, the daughter of a friend, were flower girls. The bridesmaid dresses were from Wed2B and the flower girls dresses from Monsoon.

Jonny Brown, the brother of the bridegroom, and the groom's friend Steven How were best men while Joshua McNeil, the son of a friend was page boy.

All flowers - bridal bouquet: hydrangeas and white roses; bridesmaid/flower girls: hydrangeas; groom: white rose/hydrangea; best men: white rose - were provided by Zoe the Wedding Florist. A cream and white Brenchley was the couple's chosen transport, provided by Elite Wedding Cars

The couple's first dance was to Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars, and entertainment at the reception was provided by band Four Worried Men and caricaturist Barry James.

Their honeymoon was cancelled but is set to be rescheduled.

Alan Gibson was the photographer throughout the day.