WHEN Mark and Jenni Trowbridge exchanged vows on Saturday (November 15) they did so in a picture-perfect dream wedding – at least it was perfect for them.

The bride arrived for her big day in a hearse, wearing a silver and black gown and moody make-up while the groom and rest of the wedding party followed a strict gothic military dress code.

When the Stockton couple, who are both charity workers, began planning their wedding they knew instantly it would have a Victorian gothic vibe.

Mr Trowbridge said: “It was the only kind of wedding we’d have, it reflects us.”

They went off separately to search for a venue and each came up with The Knights Hall at The Manor House Hotel, a 14th century Grade I listed building in West Auckland, near Bishop Auckland.

Mrs Trowbridge, nee Arnott, travelled to the venue in the decorated hearse with a motorcycle outrider- as she describes herself as half goth, half biker.

She handmade her own bridal skirt to a Victorian pattern which was worn over a crinoline cage, 126 inches in circumference. She also wore a corset made by a friend.

“I’d never made anything before but I knew in my head exactly what I wanted and know you cannot buy it anywhere,” said Mrs Trowbridge, 29.

So as not to feel left out, the groom had a handcrafted jacket imported from America.

The couple asked guests to dress as dramatically as possible for the ceremony and masquerade ball evening party, when medieval weapons, armour and banners inspired by television show Game of Thrones adorned the venue.

Mr Trowbridge, 47, said: “Around half of the guests were into the alternative scene and it isn’t the first goth wedding for many but everyone, even those that aren’t into it, looks amazing.

“It is brilliant to see them all joining in and wearing their best goth looks.”

The couple had met at another alternative wedding at Walworth Castle near Darlington, in 2011, when they were best man and a bridesmaid.

The bride and groom, Mel and John Butler, planned the seating arrangement to set them up on a date and as predicted they clicked instantly.

Mr Trowbridge said: “Though we were both into the same things we were separated by a hundred miles back then and hadn’t got to know each other.

“Once we got talking it turned out we’d both been to the lots of the same gigs and go to Whitby Goth Weekend every six months and here we are now, married.”