THERE couldn't have been a more perfect day for a wedding as a happy pair celebrated their first day as husband and wife.

As the sun shone down on a beautiful Mothering Sunday, Jack Eastham, 27, and Victoria Griffiths, 22, tied the knot at Barrow's Abbey House Hotel and Gardens.

The couple, from Walney, were the lucky winners of the Evening Mail's Win Your Wedding competition.

In 2015 the now Mr and Mrs Eastham competed with two other couples to collect tokens in the newspaper, and raise as much money as possible for the Barrow Foodbank.

A year and a half down the line, they walked down the aisle as husband and wife, in front of more than 100 close friends and family.


Newlyweds Jack and Victoria Eastham

Standing for photographs outside the magnificent Abbey House, Mr Eastham said: "We feel very good, we're very happy."

That sentiment was echoed by the mother of the groom, Bethan Roberts.

She said: "I'm ecstatic, I couldn't have wished for a better daughter-in-law. I've six sons, and Jack is the second to get married."

After entering the competition almost two years ago, they never dreamed they would ultimately go on to win.

Mrs Eastham said: "My mum did a lot to help us, collecting tokens and putting on a fundraiser.

"We were glad to win, it was great to help other people, and it made planning the wedding much easier."

They thanked some of the companies who helped make their wedding such a success.

The newlyweds were grateful to, among others, Mr Mister which provided the men's suits, Eternity by Nina which made the wedding dress, the staff at Abbey House, and Steve Hillman who took their wedding photographs.

They were also thankful for the flower arrangements provided by Barrow business, Posh Flowers. The owner, Alyson Miller generously provided a £700 package, which included the bride's and bridesmaid's bouquets, as well as the table design and centres.

Mrs Eastham said: "They really put us at ease."

Above all they were over the moon that their loved ones were their to celebrate with them. Mr Eastham said: "It was all about putting on a good day for our friends and family."

A moment that proved too much for the bride was when her horse, Fergie, was brought down to the front of the hall to surprise her.

Tears of joy filled her eyes as the keen rider went over to take photos with her beloved animal.

The couple hope to go on their honeymoon towards the end of the summer, but in the meantime plan to save up some money, and enjoy married life.

Deputy general manager at Abbey House, Jess Lowery said: "It was great to have Jack and Vicky, this is the third year in a row we have taken part in the competition.

"It's a nice reward for them, and it keeps it all local, using local companies, getting their names out there."