ACADEMICS found chemistry both in and out the lecture hall before saying 'I do' in an intimate Lake District ceremony.

Dr David Townsend, a 30-year-old from Lancaster who works as head of research, has married Dr Barbora Mala, a 27-year-old from the Czech Republic who is due to join Dallam School in September as a chemistry teacher.

The pair first met at Lancaster University back in 2013.

Bara was starting her undergraduate masters in chemistry while David was beginning his PhD in chemistry.

"It took us four years before we finally got together in 2017 as I started my post doc and Bara started her PhD," David said.

The pair got engaged on June 20, 2021 during a romantic sunset walk.

David said: "We enjoy an evening walk at sunset together, and every year we'd gone to watch the sunset over the bay on the summer solstice.

"So in the November prior when I decided to propose it seemed like the perfect date and setting - I just had to wait a further seven months.

"Bara had no idea. I'd set up my camera for some photos of Bara and our dog Lyra silhouetted against the setting sun.

"After a few pictures, I asked for one of Bara facing the sun, and when she turned round I was down on one knee."

The smitten couple married at the Merewood Country House Hotel in Windermere on July 23 in front of 40 guests.

Bara's man of honour walked the pair's dog Lyra down the aisle followed by their flower girl, Polly.

The intimate ceremony was followed by short speeches which had first been translated into Czech for the non-English speakers.

"My speech described our story of crossing paths, with numerous brief meetings over the four years, before we finally got to know each other properly and fell in love," David said.

The newlyweds danced to 'How long will I love you' by Ellie Goulding before enjoying a three-tier cake which included silhouette images of the couple from significant points in their relationship.

The Townsends braved the wet Lake District weather for outdoor photographs in Merewood's stunning grounds, while huddled under an mbrella.

The newlyweds enjoyed a tip to Canada for their honeymoon, touring the Canadian Rockies, travelling between Calgary, Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff.

"It was a highly active honeymoon, with lots of outdoor pursuits including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and horse riding up into the mountains for a couple of days," they said.

Photography by David Goodier www.dgoodierphotography.co.uk.