A COUPLE who met in Penrith have now tied the knot in a Harry Potter-themed wedding.

James Knudsen, 28, and Ana Monteiro, 31, have been together for six years and were married on August 15.

Their first date involved a meet-up at Bandstand in Penrith and a walk at Beacon Edge.

A small ceremony of 17 guests is all that was allowed at the Carlisle Registration Office at Lady Gillford`s House on Petteril Bank Road.

Ana, 31, said people understood that Covid-19 restrictions meant only a limited number of guests could attend.

“It was fine. Everybody was fully understanding and some came to see us and take a photo.”

Social distancing measures didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the day though, according to Ana.

“It was no different to normal, except guests had to sit away from each other. I managed to get my makeup done on the 15th and I managed to cut the cake.

“We were also able to have a celebration afterwards in our garden, following Covid guidelines.”

The couple’s first dance was to David Gray - This Year's Love.

“This is my favourite song,” explained Ana.

Best man for the service was the groom’s brother Robert Proudfoot.

Ushers were Craig Knudsen, Tony McSkimmings and Hugo Monteiro.

Bridesmaids were Angela Henderson, Cassandra Ferguson, Sarah Percival, Andreia Monteiro, Mia Knudsen (junior bridesmaid).

Flower girls were Clara, Eva and Ellie.

Flowers were prepared by the bride.

Getting married on their original day was not without its challenges.

“It was very stressful, there was a lot of anxiety, but I’m not going to complain,” continued Ana.

“We got to keep our date and I would have regretted postponing.

“The restrictions kept changing and so did the rules on makeup.

"It was very difficult.

“Then everything went away and my mum and dad were able to travel from Portugal.”

Mr and Mrs Knudsen spent their honeymoon in Windermere and London, taking in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in the capital.

“We were away for seven days, it was really good. It went really fast,” said Ana.

Ana met her husband at the age of 24.

“We got stuck together and we fell in love with each other,” she said.

James proposed to Ana in Edinburgh after they walked up Arthur's Seat with their two little girls in November 2018.

Hair was done by Jenny Glaister Mobile Hairdressing, the cake was provided by Claire's Bakery and makeup was done by Charlotte Ford.

The couple extended a special thank you to the suppliers who made the day as special as possible.

Pictures by Simon Hughes Photography. Visit www.simonhughesphotography.uk.