A couple's wedding day celebrated with family and friends in Hexham was hailed just perfect.
Hexham couple Joanna Holmstrom-Lowdon, 38, and Sam Holmstrom-Lowdon, 33, married in a ceremony at Hexham House on May 20, 2023, in front of their friends and family including Joanna's parents who flew in from Sweden.
The pair first met at Aldi and after a few after-work drinks, they knew that they were a perfect match for each other.
Hexham's Aldi store assistant, Joanna, said: "We met at Aldi nearly 10 years ago as we worked together in the Hexham store.
"The pressures from a hard Sunday shift drove us to the Tap and Spile where a bond was created that will last a lifetime.
"It was like a light switch had turned on seeing each other out of work, not love at first sight but love at true sight."
A few years later and Sam popped the question in 2019.
Sam Holmstrom-Lowdon, business service co-ordinator for National Trust Hadrian’s Wall Country said: "I asked Joanna to marry me on the 22nd of December of 2019, next to the bandstand in Hexham.
"It was under the starlight and in front of our son Rory. It was extra special as Joanna was pregnant with our daughter at the time."
Following their engagement, the couple then planned their stag and hen nights.
Sam’s celebration was in Newcastle for a video gaming-themed session, whereas Joanna, who also celebrated in Newcastle, decided to go for Greek food followed by drinks at various bars on the Quayside.
Finally, Sam and Joanna's big day arrived.
"I walked down the aisle in a beautiful dress from WED2BE in Gateshead with my neices and nephews as well as my son and daughter," Joanna said.
"We had 100 guests who after the ceremony joined us at the Hexham Abbey function rooms.
"We were able to enjoy our favours from Sam’s mum, who hand-etched personalised champagne glasses for everyone attending the ceremony – around 20 close family members and friends.
"We also bought a large selection of cupcakes from the Pudding Parlour in Prudhoe rather than a wedding cake.
"Then we had our first dance which was to House Of The Rising Sun by The Animals. We knew it was an interesting choice but it was the song we listened to it live on our first date at the Tap and Spile.
"After that, we had a DJ from Disco Company North East Ltd, other entertainment included asking our guests to fill in cards which included advice for the bride and groom, and it required them to draw a picture of themselves."
The pair are delaying their honeymoon until next year but like to reminisce about their big day.
Joanna said:" The party was small which made it an incredibly special and meaningful moment.
"It was a very relaxed and positive atmosphere where many laughs were had and the only serious moment was our commitment to each other.
"We couldn’t have asked for a better day! Our function co-ordinator Nicola Rodgers with the Abbey function rooms were instrumental in taking care of operations behind the scenes and allowing everyone present to enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience.
"The entire wedding also wouldn’t have happened without the help of our closest family and friends.
"They helped us bring life to the venue with some stunning décor.
"They also brought together many of the services we used such as the florist, seamstress, and photographer.
"Most importantly they were moral support through all the stress of organising the wedding and having a family."
Who helped on the day?
Photographer/videographer- Diane Makepeace
All bouquets were from Flowers by Fiona
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