Married life? We’ll cruise it

Even the confetti was heart-shaped as romantic Brian Armstrong married Shirley Hartley

A romantic Valentine’s Day wedding will be followed by a honeymoon with the in-laws for blushing bride Shirley Hartley.

But Shirley has no qualms about sharing her Caribbean cruise with 79-year-old mother-in-law Molly Hodson — Molly has already been on her hen night and shared her summer holiday last year.

Shirley (49), of Whitstable Close, Chadderton, married romantic Brian Armstrong (52), of Thatch Leach, at Chadderton Town Hall’s Oak Room on Saturday.

Brian, a retired council worker, proposed on Valentine’s Day, last year, when he whisked Shirley off for a two-week stay in Lanzarote.

Shirley said: “He went down on one knee. He is really romantic, he’s the best.”

To continue the romantic theme, the couple planned their wedding for Valentine’s Day, this year.

Brian was kitted out with a full dress kilt, in Armstrong clan, while Shirley wore a peacock blue and silver long dress.

Both have been married before and have nine children between them, and five grandchildren.

Shirley was given away by her eldest son, Peter Prendergast (32) and their reception was at the Nimble Nook Club in Chadderton.

Guests included Molly, who will be 80 this year, and her husband Ron Hodson, Brian’s stepfather.

Shirley said: “It’s Molly’s 80th birthday this year, so this is a celebration for her as well. She’s more like 60 than 80.”