47-year-old Paul Miller and Joanna Duke (54) first met online in April 2018. The pair got closer and it led to a whirlwind romance which took the next step when Paul decided to propose.

"Our proposal was during the lockdown and was very romantic," Joanna recalls.

"It was clear that Paul put a lot of thought into it.

"I had never seen the film 'Love Actually', so Paul suggested we watch it.

"He had made the room all romantic, which already was a complete surprise as there were little candles burning and special LOVE letters.

"On January 16th 2021, we watched the film; then at the end, when he proposes to the girl, Paul said to me what did she say & I said she said yes.

"He then said what do you say and opened the box with the ring.

"We then had champagne glasses and champagne which Paul hidden.

"I don't know how he kept it all a secret."

The pair from Wallsend then planned their separate celebrations before the big day.

Paul said: "My stag do was a night in Tynemouth and Whitley Bay for a curry at the Shampan and then drinks. Whereas Joanna had a 'boozy' afternoon lunch in North Shields Fish Quay at Twelve Twenty-Five and then into Tynemouth for drinks. "

Finally, their big day arrived, and on August 19, the couple became man and wife at Maften Hall.

"The wedding day was perfect; we tried to stick to a rustic theme throughout the day," Joanna explains.

"My dress was a mermaid gown made with soft stretch georgette with illusion lace panels at the side with gorgeous, illusion lace low back and covered buttons, finished with a double tier Italian lace veil.

"Paul had a three-piece, slim-fitting Marc Darcy suit, which was in a light neutral colour and featured a light prince of Wales check and navy accents.

"I had my friend Helen Bailey who was my Maid of honour Helen Bailey, bridesmaids Georgia Bailey (Helen's daughter), Terri Miller, who is Paul's daughter, and my Flowergirl was Paul's six-year-old Granddaughter Olivia.

Paul adds: "Waiting at the alter with me was my best man and friend Davey Young, my sons as my groomsmen, Harry and Charlie Miller and Joanna's sons Ben and Luke Atkinson."

The couple said 'I do' in front of 44-day guests and enjoyed 'fizz' and canapés, followed by their evening ceremony where they welcomed more guests at 7 pm.

"We had a great time on the evening, after our first dance, which was 'as 'you are the reason' by Callum Scott and Leona Lewis. Then the old split-screen green VW camper van, our transport, doubled up as a photo booth. It was a huge hit with guests.

"We also had some party games for people, including giant connect 4, limbo, and a Tin can alley game. "