A BRIDE and groom to be, who won their fairytale wedding thanks to Northern Echo readers, have met with the photographer who will capture their special day.

Win a Wedding competition winners, Julie Bond and Darren Hird, are making the finishing touches to arrangements for their nuptials.

The couple have been together for more than four years and will tie the knot at a civil ceremony in front of 50 family and friends at The Croft Hotel, near Darlington, on Saturday, June 7.

They recently met with photographer, Mark Raffan, for their pre-wedding photoshoot and to discuss arrangements for their big day.

Mr Raffan, of Valentina Weddings, is giving the couple a photography package worth £2,000, which includes an initial wedding consultation, a pre-wedding shoot, five hours of wedding coverage, a DVD containing the photos from the day set to music and a voucher to the value of £150 towards a photo album.

Their prize covers all aspects of the wedding and also includes: flowers from Flowers by Nattrass; hair and make-up by Hair Sanctuary; suits from Affleck & Moffatt; a cake from Sadie May Cakes; dresses from Happily Ever After; hen and stag days at York Racecourse and a full day at The Croft Hotel, including ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.