IT was a day when love reigned supreme...

Everybody at Saturday’s wedding blessing ceremony for 26-year-old Susan Rumney and her new husband Jay Clark, 38, focused on one thing: the knowledge that this is a couple in love, and they want the world to know it.

Yet behind the smiles there was sadness, for Susan, from Northside, Workington, was recently told she has incurable cervical cancer.

Determined to make the best of their time together, she and Jay married in hospital - and thanks to an outpouring of support and fundraising from family, friends, and neighbours they have celebrated that love in style.

At Aspatria’s St Kentigern’s church, in watery autumn sunshine, Susan arrived for her big day by horse-drawn carriage, its white Spanish dance horses looking perfect for the occasion.

Escorted by her father John Rumney, she smiled all the way, looking every inch the beautiful bride in white as she clutched a bouquet of pink roses and white lilies.

Just before the ceremony, Jay said: “It’s overwhelming, to be honest. Words can’t describe how I feel right now but this is going to be a good day; a positive day. The support we have had has been overwhelming.”

That sentiment - that it was a positive day - was reflected in the smiles of the scores of guests.

“This means everything,” said Jay’s cousin Jade Pattinson, 24, from Flimby.

“They deserve a lovely day. Susan has been so brave.”

Susan’s uncle David Hine, 54, said watching Susan become ill was incredibly hard but shining through it all was her incredible courage, he said. He added: “We’re hoping that everybody enjoys today. Susan looks absolutely beautiful.” He thanked the many people who have shown their support.

Before the service got underway, The Rev Tim Herbert said: “Today is both happy and sad. It’s a chance to mark the special nature of their relationship; the love they have for each other in the presence of a God who loves them.”

Susan, originally from Aspatria, is mother to Grayson, one, Lexie, three, and Mackenzie, eight, and her partner also has a son, Leo, 10.

Earlier, Susan’s sister Lisa, from Whitehaven, said: “They’re definitely a loving couple, and Jay has really stepped up and is doing an amazing job at looking after the children while Susan is in hospital.

“ I can’t believe how generous people have been.”

“My experience of life and people hasn’t been great, but for everyone to show us all this love has really changed my view of the world.

“It has definitely picked Susan up too; it’s something to look forward to. Someone offered to go to hospital and show her some wedding dresses, which is beautiful.”

The horse drawn carriage and its two white horses were provided by Horse Drawn Carriages North West Limited. Michaela Webster, who drove the horses, said: “It’s just an honour to be a part of such a sad but beautiful occasion.”