YOUR WEDDING: Richard Chartier and Leanne McGeown

And April 8 was also Grand National day and they embraced great sporting event with made up horse names for the guests, fences of the Grand National on the tables and betting slips as favours.

They tied the knot at St Gregory’s Catholic Church, in Weldbank Lane, Chorley, followed by a reception at Farington Lodge.

Leanne, a psychology teacher, and Richard, a assistant accountant, first met at high school.

They were friends then but it wasn’t until they enrolled at Runshaw College that they finally got together.

They studied at Lancaster University together and eventually moved to Northwich in Cheshire when Leanne landed her teaching job.

To mark seven years together, Richard whisked Leanne to Copenhagen and it was there he popped the question in true romantic style.

And from there, the couple, who are both 27, spent 18 months planning their big day.

Friends and family travelled from all over the world to share their wedding day, with some coming from America, Ireland, Singapore and Cambodia.

“It was a Catholic wedding ceremony and we were very blessed to have the former priest Monsignor McKenna agree to hold the ceremony to make it that extra bit special for us,” said Leanne.

The couple screened the Grand National on a large projector screen during their reception.

And one moment Leanne will treasure forever was having her picture taken with her 88-year-old grandma in a photobooth.

Leanne added: “It really was the most perfect day.

“We were so lucky that we had glorious sunshine for a day in April, it was the hottest day of the year so far.

“It made the reception so much more enjoyable as we travelled in style from the church to Farington Lodge in our open top vintage car and people could drink and mingle outside at the reception.

“We were also fortunate our family and friends travelled from places such as from Ireland, Singapore, America and Cambodia.

“It meant the world to us that they were there to share our special day.

And Richard added: “Without a shadow of a doubt, the most amazing day of my life.”

Bride’s parents: Shaun and Gabrielle McGeown

Groom’s parents: Gerard Chartier and Helen Oates

Best man: Niall Chartier

Maid of honour: Kelly McGeown

Bridesmaids: Ashleigh Stow and Rachael Cox

Flowers: The Gilded Lily, Chorley

Cake: Buttercream Cake Design

Bride’s dress: Lulu Browns

Make up: Kathryn Farrington

Videographer: Jo Gendle Films

Cars: Horgans

Hair: Karen Thompson and Liz Wilkinson

DJ: DJ Wardy

Band: Drive

Decorations: Classique, SJ Enterprise and Bluebells and Daisies, Pretty in Print

Photobooth: Happy Pigeon

Venue: Farington Lodge

Pictures: Ant and Lynsay at Icon Studio www.icon-studio.co.uk