'Our wedding was everything I dreamed of'

English and drama teacher Carly, 30, from St Annes, is the daughter of Richard and Sharon Todd.

Zach, 27, who is originally from Oxfordshire but moved to Southport in his teens is the son of Mark and Lisa Wilson.

Their first date was at Carly’s apartment where Zach supplied the movies and snacks and Carly cooked a meal for them.

Zach proposed in Chester in March 2016 and plans for their winter wedding began for December 29 2017.

Carly said: “We always wanted a winter wonderland wedding and we married in front of 60 close family and friends before more friends and extended family joined us for the evening celebrations.

“Sadly Zach’s gramp, Ken, died during our wedding planning so we reserved a seat for him during the ceremony, we felt he was looking down on us giving us his blessing.”

Their two-month-old daughter Matilda Mae and niece Alba Parry were the flowergirls with Jenni Dugdale as maid of honour and Andrew Jenner as best man.

“My maid of honour carried our daughter down the aisle with a heart around her wrist reading “Daddy, here comes mummy” - it was a show stealing moment!

“I also asked one of my best friends Corinne Ashworth to sing during the service.

“She sung Chistina Perri, A Thousand Years as I walked down the aisle and I don’t think there were many dry eyes in the house.

“My brother Jack Todd read a beautiful piece by Bob Marley during the service the opening line reads ‘He’s not perfect. You aren’t either and the two of you will never be perfect’ We loved it.”

As a surprise for when the guests were enjoying drinks and canapés, Pringles, who is Ribby’s Reindeer made an appearance.

“He went down really well and the guests loved having selfies with him and feeding him moss!” said Carly.

After the speeches, close family friend Ross Carson sang soul music which was a lovely touch to the proceedings and added to the laid back relaxed atmosphere the couple wanted.

The first dance was Snow Patrol’s Chasing Cars which is a special song for the couple and they also had a father and daughter, mother and son dance to Phil Collins You’ll Be in My Heart.

“During the evening celebrations we had sparklers and cigars for people to enjoy outside and we had caricaturist capturing a unique side to all of our guests: he was really loved by all and had guests screaming and laughing with joy!”

Zach said: “I know it’s a cliche but it really was the best day of my life (seconded only to the birth of my daughter).

“To marry the woman I love in front of our loving family and friends was truly incredible. I just wish we could do it all again!”

Carly added: “Our wedding was everything I could have dreamed of and more. I felt like a princess all day. We are extremely lucky to have such amazing family and friends to have shared it with.”

The couple are looking forward to a honeymoon in Lanzarote.