The Hartlepool couple first met when they both worked in a town takeaway over the Christmas of 2000.

It all started out as a friendship which blossomed months later and eventually led to them walking down the aisle.

Rebecca, 24, said: "We became really good friends and we started going to each other's house. It took us three or four months to get together.
"We were good friends at first."

It was six months later that Michael, 37, got down on one knee and proposed.

Rebecca, who is unemployed, recalled: "He told me that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me."

The couple got engaged on the beach at Seaton Carew and it was the start of a romance which saw them tie the knot on June 21 this year.
The day of their wedding started with a jolt for the couple.

Rebecca explained: "The night before, we blew 70 helium balloons up and they deflated overnight."

But her stepdad Andrew Beattie stepped in and saved the day when he bought more balloons for the venue where the reception as held.

Rebecca and Michael were married at St Aidan's Church in Hartlepool and Rebecca recalled: "The church looked amazing and the vicar made the day.

"He was so funny and everyone was laughing. When he asked if anyone had any objections to our marriage, he said to us afterwards 'you're safe'. Everyone burst out laughing."

Joining the couple for their big day were best man Lee Atkinson, bridesmaid Sara Cope, and usher Les Hodgson.

Their reception was held at the Camerons Club with more than 180 guests there to wish them well.

The decoration was completed by friends and family and Michael. Rebecca said: "It looked like a fairytale."

Rebecca and Michael had their first dance to Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis and later enjoyed a honeymoon in Paris which Rebecca described as "the most amazing and fantastic place I have been to"