BRAVE newlyweds waded through water in their wedding outfits after venturing into nearby caves on their big day.

Vanessa Sedgwick and David Dunstan met through mutual friends in Littleborough, where they used to live, before moving to the Lake District ten years ago.

The smitten couple, who have been together for 20 years, said 'I do' on October 13 at Cote How in Rydal, tying the knot in front of just two witnesses: Caroline and Sophie from Cote How.

The pair had originally planned on marrying last year and enjoying a celebration in Crete with their friends and family.

"We had planned to be married in June last year with a small ceremony with our four children and their partners," Mrs Dunstan said.

"Then we were going to go to Crete with all our family and friends for a full celebration and party.

"This was then changed to November 2020 but again cancelled.

"We actually didn’t plan on rebooking the wedding until we saw Cote How and realised that that was perfect for us, and after a quick conversation with Caroline we didn’t hesitate and booked the first available date."

The couple described their intimate service as 'truly perfect'.

"So the night before the wedding we stayed the night at The Cragwood Hotel, and had an amazing meal and began our celebration together," Mrs Dunstan said.

"In the morning David disappeared for breakfast whilst my hair and make up was done by Kym Wolfe. We made our way separately to Cote How. Our service was simple, peaceful and we laughed throughout, it was truly perfect for us."

The newlyweds ventured into Rydal Caves after the ceremony, wading through the water in their wedding outfits.

Mrs Dunstan said: "We knew that Rydal Caves were very close by to Cote How and, as the weather was on our side, our photographer Clare Gelderd was keen to take some pictures there.

"We had brought our wellies and we were more that happy to take a walk. We laughed, and took loads of pictures of us just being together.

"It was funny seeing walkers reaction to us in our full wedding outfits wading through the water and throwing the bouquet around.

"Once it was time to sadly leave Cote How we made our way to the amazing Linthwaite Hotel were we called our children and close family members.

"They were all surprised we had finally done it, but so happy that we had loved our day, our way.

"Everyone at the Linthwaite made us feel so special." The newlyweds are hoping to honeymoon in Bali next year.