NEWLYWEDS hired a private jetty for a 'beautiful sunlit' boat trip on their wedding day.

Josh Gait, 34, an aircraft inspector, married to Betty Carter, 32, a primary school teacher, in Windermere.

The pair met in The Alchemist bar in Chester in 2018. Josh was drawn to Betty's red hair, fun conversation and cheeky smile and Betty 'loved' his Viking beard and dry sense of humour.

They got engaged in June 2021 at Rusland Heights during a 7-hour hike. It was a complete surprise to Betty despite both families already knowing it was going to happen. Josh had asked Betty’s dad the March before.

The wedding happened on Monday, May 27 in Cragwood Country House Hotel with 10 guests.

They said: "We exchanged vows and rings outside on the garden gazebo, then had delicious afternoon tea in the library, followed by speeches on the side terrace overlooking the lake. The weather was phenomenal, as soon as we said I do, the sun came out and shone for the rest of the day, despite the wet forecast.

"We hired a traditional, wooden launch from Windermere Lake Cruises (Queen of the Lake) so we all walked down to the private jetty for a beautiful sunlit boat trip. At 5pm we all journeyed down to Boaters Bar in Bowness for a party with our extended family and friends - an additional 50 guests, totalling 60.

"We hired the top room and decking overlooking the lake. Josh’s aunty Janet made a beautiful 3-tiered wedding cake with lemon, chocolate and biscoff. Our first dance was Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart. Bryson’s Bakery provided the sweet treats and Boaters bar served wood-fired pizzas and antipasti boards for all of the guests."

The couple, from Chester, explained they chose the Lake District for their wedding because it has always been a 'special place' for them.

"We visit every year and we got engaged here. It’s our happy place," they said.

The newlyweds are currently on their minimoon at the Langdale Estate and have planned a European tour of France, Italy, Croatia and Czech Republic later in the year. 

They would like to thank their parents Gill and Clive, Carol and Trev, their sisters Holly and Hayley, the flower girl, Luna, the page boy, Teddy, Aunty Janet for making the cake, photographer Tiree Dawson and Cragwood Country House Hotel.