Love stories often unfold in unexpected ways, and for Courtney, 28, and Scott Bell, 26, from Whitehaven, their journey from a Tinder match to a magical wedding day is a tale of genuine connection. The couple, who first ‘matched’ on Tinder in 2018, decided to carry the theme of ‘matching’ throughout their relationship, culminating in a unique and tattoo-inspired wedding celebration.
Courtney and Scott’s love story began digitally when they ‘matched’ on Tinder in 2018. Little did they know that this initial connection would evolve into a beautiful journey that led them to a uniquely themed wedding celebration. Two years into their relationship, Scott, a mechanical engineer, orchestrated a magical proposal during their staycation at The Belsfield Hotel in Windermere on December 21, 2020.
For Courtney, the proposal was a dream come true. The room was adorned with balloons, flowers, and champagne, creating a romantic ambiance. Seizing the moment, Scott got down on one knee and asked Courtney to be his forever. The enchanting proposal set the stage for their wedding, which took place on November 18, 2023, at 1:30 pm at the Hidden River Barn in Carlisle and was witnessed by 96 guests.
While there was no strict theme for the wedding, the couple incorporated hints of autumnal and bohemian vibes with a touch of the Lord of the Rings, creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Scott’s best man and ushers, along with Courtney’s maid of honor and bridesmaids, stood by their sides as they exchanged vows. The ceremony blended personal touches and nods to their shared interests.
Following the heartfelt ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed canapés and captured precious moments through the lens of Esme Whiteside Photography and videography by Michael Shepherd. The reception on the barn’s lower level perfectly complemented the couple’s vision for an intimate and warm celebration. The evening unfolded with a three-course meal and speeches that added to the joyous atmosphere.
A highlight of the day was the couple’s first dance to ‘You Had Me At Hello’ by A Day to Remember, a song that encapsulated their journey from that first Tinder match to the wedding day. The celebration continued with a lively band and DJ set by South West Band, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with guests participating in a mosh pit to the beats of Nirvana.
One of the most memorable moments for Courtney was getting matching tattoos with Scott, a unique and personal expression of their commitment. As the festivities continued, guests joined a mosh pit, adding an unexpected yet exciting element to the celebration. The day they were concluded with cutting a stunning three-tiered semi-naked cake crafted by Sally Cooper, featuring vanilla, chocolate, white chocolate, and passionfruit flavors.
Currently enjoying their honeymoon in Jamaica, Courtney and Scott’s love story, marked by matching tattoos and a wedding filled with unique touches, stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing individuality in the journey of love.