A couple decided to add unique elements to their wedding to make it their perfect day.

Ruth Turnbull, 45, and George Winthorpe, 46, from Ponteland, first met at secondary school and became really good friends but unfortunately lost touch after college.

Luckily, fate intervened, and the pair found each other on social media and started a relationship.

A few years later, George, a biomedical scientist, knew Ruth, a semi-permanent make-up technician was the one and planned the perfect proposal on Christmas Day in 2021.

From the engagement, the couple focused on planning their wedding and not thinking about stag or hen parties.

Ruth laughed: "We decided not to have a stag or hen do as we felt we were too old to be hungover these days.

"For our wedding, we chose Horton Grange on November 27, 2022, as our venue with a theme of Gothic/Victoriana.

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"The venue was beautiful and was decorated in black and gold foliage with roses, carnations, etc - they weighed a ton but were stunning.

"George wore a dark grey suit with a deep red check from Slaters in Newcastle, while I had a two-piece from Stylish Brides in Ukraine.

"We broke with tradition as we walked up the aisle together as we don't like the whole "giving away of the bride" thing.

"Our rings were a bezel set black diamond in silver.

"I spend all day in nitrile gloves, so I wanted a flat-set ring that I could keep on and wear under gloves. The ring is very special to me as it's engraved inside with the nickname he calls me."

After the wedding ceremony, the couple had a lager and champagne reception with a hot buffet, leading to a big party featuring a stunning, unique cake.

Ruth said: "Our cake was also amazing; we had a three-tier red cake that was Sicilian lemon and had two skulls on top with black flowers.

"We wanted a relaxed day without speeches, ceremony, and a big party with our loved ones.

"We loved everything about the day. I even loved the ceremony, which I didn't think I would.

"We wore exactly what we wanted, had an alternative theme, and had there who we wanted."