Storm Boelo could've put a dampener on our iconic Blackpool wedding, instead we got the chance of a lifetime

When Paul and Leigh Hutchinson chose October 24th for their wedding in Blackpool, they could never have imagined their special day would be swept up in the arrival of one of Blackpool’s worst ever storms.

But while Storm Boelo did its very best to unleash chaos along the coast on Saturday, the wild weather brought an unexpected sprinkling of magic to the newlyweds’ unforgettable day.

Having tied the knot at the Wedding Chapel the happy couple had planned a wonderful surprise for their 46 guests - a trip to the top of Blackpool Tower where they could raise a glass of fizz high above the town where they spent their first date - and toast the start of their married life together.

But with fierce, blustery winds making it unsafe for visitors to take the lift to the top, their romantic plans were suddenly shattered.

Undeterred by the driving rain and howling winds, Paul, 39, Leigh, 40 and their guests still braved the elements and made their way across to the Tower for a celebratory drink.

And that was where the real magic began.

Determined to ensure the couple’s big day was every bit as special as they had dreamed, the wonderful Tower staff stepped in with a little fairy tale magic of their own, arranging a private bar for the wedding party.

Then, thanks to a thoughtful friend, the newlyweds were treated to another extraordinary surprise – the chance to dance together on the magnificent, world-famous floor of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

“My friend Heather suggested we danced on the dancefloor and at first, we weren’t really up for it.

“We are quite shy and we are not dancers, there were people on the floor dancing so beautifully - me and Paul have never had a dance lesson!

“Anyway we did it, they cleared the floor for us and the organist played the most amazing music.

“We just looked at each other and it was as if there was nobody else in the room - it was absolutely incredible.

With its glittering chandeliers, ornate architecture and timeless romance - and home toe Strictly Come Dancing for one week of the year - it was a moment to treasure forever. It was a little slice of wedding day magic that no amount of stormy weather could spoil.

“Despite the storm, I think it actually made it better,” said Leigh, a paramedic.

“My dress was absolutely trashed but it was the most magical, magical day.

“It far exceeded our expectations, I can’t thank anyone enough - Jess at the Tower and our photographer Nancy - for how magical it was.

The couple spoke to The Gazette from the comfort of their seats on a flight to New York City for their honeymoon.

Leigh joked: “Paul wanted a very, very low key wedding and if I’d have told him we’d be dancing on the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and be in the newspaper, I don’t think he’d have married me!”

For their 8-year-old son Ralph, he loved every minute - he was the groom’s security on the day and was in charge of the rings.

Paul works at BAE and Leigh is a paramedic in Preston. They used to live in St Annes but moved to Leyland to be nearer work. They met ten years ago and spent their first date at The Beach House.

“Blackpool is where we met and as a nod to that, we thought we'd go back there to be married.”