Sandy Jamieson, from Lochmaben, and Marita Barr, from Dumfries, were married on Sunday after meeting last year via the LinkedIn business website.
Despite the difficulties of covid and lockdowns, their romance blossomed.
Sandy said: “We agreed to meet and had a socially distant walk and then we just kept meeting up every day.
“As we spent every day together, I fell in love, then I reached the point that I knew I wanted to be with Marita for the rest of my life.”
Their love story also helped him through a difficult time professionally as work dried up.
Sandy, who is a wedding minister, said: “It has been a hugely difficult time for many, many people. I found myself out of work for four months, for the first time in 36 years.
“Eventually, when I got my head around it all I saw this is a gift: it provided the opportunity to spend every day together.
“I suppose this unusual time presented an unusual opportunity.”
The couple became engaged in a firework proposal at new year and quickly settled on the ‘breathtaking’ Kinmount House near Annan for their ceremony.
Marita, who works at Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “The ballroom has the most beautiful extravagant chandeliers, we knew we would get married in the ballroom, it was so extra- just like us!”
New corona restrictions meant there could only be five people present at the ceremony so photographer Dan Wright, a former schoolmate of the bride’s, and wedding planner Victoria Hamilton stepped in as witnesses, while Pastor Ronnie Burns officiated.
And there was one more very special guest, the bride’s Giant Continental pet rabbit Albert, resplendent in a bow tie.
Meanwhile, friends and family joined in remotely, with some dressing up for the occasion.
Despite the absence of guests, the wedding still had many traditional touches and more.
Marita said: “I had always dreamed of arrival in a horse drawn carriage and the release of white doves. Sandy, working at Gretna, is friends with Brian Byers “the dove man” and Zoe and Simon of Tartan carriages, and arranged this to happen as a surprise for me.
“After the ceremony, we did a release of doves symbolising peace, harmony and new beginnings. We had the most perfect day, it was so romantic.”
