IT was love at first sight for newly-married Hexham couple.

Claire Smith, 46, and 57-year-old Philip Oakenfold cast eyes upon each other at a local pub.
Recalling the day, Claire, a catering and office manager for Hextol Foundation, said: "We first met when we were both having drinks outside what was Bin21 in the marketplace Hexham in August 2016.
"We were both with our friends, then saw each other there and got talking."
Three years later and Phillip, an assistant production manager for Egger UK Hexham, knew Claire was the one.
"The proposal happened in 2019 and was unplanned," Claire said.
"We had a cheap family day trip to York and came back with an engagement ring.
"After that, we planned our hen and stag do.
" I had a couple of days away with a few friends to Spain in June and Phil had an afternoon and evening in Newcastle with friends the Thursday before the wedding once his two brothers arrived in the UK.
"This was special to him as one lives in Seattle and one in Tenerife."
Finally, the big day arrived and the pair got married on September 10, 2022, at Hexham House.
"It is a stunning venue, and the registrars were fabulous," Claire said.
"We tried to use local suppliers as much as we could for the day.
"Philip and his best man’s suits came from S&S Attire in Hexham and the ties were Northumberland tartan from Northumberland Tartan Company. 
"My bridesmaid was Gayle Murray and my eldest son Joshua Smith gave me away."
After the ceremony, the celebrations transferred to the Beaumont Hotel for the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.
Claire said: "We had around 60 guests at the wedding breakfast followed by a disco.
"Our first dance was ‘Can’t take my eyes off you’ – Andy Williams, and we had everyone up dancing at the key change!
"After dancing around, we enjoyed our cake which was made and decorated by my mum, Jean Hayton.
Reflecting on the day, Clare adds: "After the last couple of years of lockdowns and uncertainty, it was amazing to be able to get family and friends together.
"We had family and friends from America, Spain, Tenerife, Jersey and all parts of England, it was just an amazing day and we couldn’t have asked for more. 
"We just want to say thanks to all our family and friends who came to celebrate with us as well as The Beaumont Hotel and Hexham House."
"We had a few days away to The Lakes with visiting family, but we are planning a honeymoon later this year - hopefully to Italy."

 

Who helped on the day 

Flowers were from Honey B flowers, Hexham.

The wedding ring came from Saunders and Pughe in Corbridge.

Favours were Hexham gin miniatures direct from Hexham Gin.

Photos taken by Georgie Grace Photography

The wedding ring came from Saunders and Pughe in Corbridge.