THE COVID-19 pandemic failed to deter one smitten pair who met online just before the nationwide lockdown.
Hannah Katrina Potter, 25, a lettings negotiator from Whitehaven, has married Calvin William Sowerby, 26, a vehicle recovery driver from Penrith.
The couple first met online just before the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.
Hannah said: “We got chatting for a few days, I was actually away on holiday at the time and we said to each other when I get back on Saturday we will meet up.
“But sadly that was the first day we went into lockdown so we didn’t end up meeting until a couple of months later. It was actually quite special for us, because we spent every day talking, video calls etc until we did meet, so when we did it almost felt like we had built up that friendship.
“Our first meeting was actually in mid-May when you could go on a socially distanced walk with one other person from your household. We took this opportunity to have a walk around Penrith beacon and it was amazing! It felt so natural, but we were both so nervous! After that, we then went on a few more walks whilst we could.”
The couple got engaged on Christmas Eve last year during a relaxing evening at home.
Hannah said: “It was a surprise for me, I did have a feeling he was planning something for Christmas but I didn’t know it was that! He was very traditional and asked my parents permission prior which I loved!
“Of course I said yes and I was absolutely over the moon!”
The smitten couple said ‘I do’ on August 15 at the Villa in Levens and had a church ceremony at Grayrigg Church.
They were joined by around 65 day guests and 90 evening guests.
“The whole day from start to finish was amazing!” Hannah said.
“Our whole wedding day was a massive highlight for us both. But if we have to pick 1 thing, we had an amazing singer waiter as our entertainment. We didn’t actually know he had been booked so was an utter surprise for everyone.
“He was fantastic and completely lifted the wedding, everyone was joining in and we absolutely loved him!
“Another stand out for us is we did the famous dirty dance lift with Calvin and his best men.
“At the time I thought it was fantastic, but looking back I jumped at the wrong time.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy it though!
“Luckily the weather was sunny, but it did get quite hot at stages which wasn’t great – you can never plan the weather!
“Overall, what was really special for us both was seeing all of our friends and family celebrating together and having a good time. With everything that’s gone on the past couple of years, that meant a lot to us.”
The newlyweds enjoyed two honeymoons to both Palma and Corfu after tying the knot.
All photos featured are by Kolette Cartmel Photography.