16-07-2025
Couple visit tall ship in Whitehaven Harbour on wedding day
A BRIDE and groom marked their special day with a visit to a tall ship docked in Whitehaven Harbour.
Craig Hamilton, 57, and Louise Williams, 41, boarded The Galeon Andalucia on Saturday after exchanging vows at St Mary's Church in Westfield, Workington.
Craig Hamilton on his wedding day with sons, Leo and Mikey (Image: Submitted)
Craig, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December, proposed to Louise earlier this year during a romantic Valentine's break at the Lodore Falls Hotel in Keswick.
The dad-of-three has been diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy – a rarer type of MND which affects the muscles used for speech and swallowing first.
Craig Hamilton and Louise Williams were surrounded by loved ones on their wedding day (Image: Submitted)
Craig was a professional golfer for 25 years and went on to build and develop Whitehaven Golf Club. He then worked in car sales before setting up Craig Hamilton Art on Cleator Moor High Street in 2015.
Craig met Louise in 2013 when he sold her a car while working for Arnold Clark and the couple live in Workington with their young son, Mikey.
Craig Hamilton and Louise Williams with son Mikey on board The Galeon Andalucia on their wedding day (Image: Submitted)
They were joined by 130 guests to celebrate their wedding on Saturday - after Craig had enjoyed a round of golf with friends in the morning. Louise wore a dress from Te Amo in Workington and Craig's daughter, Rebecca, was a bridesmaid along with Louise's two sisters. Craig's two sons, Leo and Mikey, walked Louise down the aisle and gave her away.
After the ceremony, the couple visited The Galeon Andalucia to take some photos and then celebrated with a party at Whitehaven Golf Club. The Syndicate band played live music and children enjoyed playing on a bouncy castle.
Craig even had time for a round of golf on the morning of his wedding day (Image: Submitted)
Their first dance was 'Fly me to the moon' by Frank Sinatra, a special song for the couple after going to Leeds Festival in 2017. The fairground ride near their tent played the song all weekend so it stuck with them.
Craig said: 'My best man Sean Rudd who's been a close friend of mine for over 30 years did me proud with his speech. It was a perfect all-round day from the weather to all our friends celebrating with us.
Craig Hamilton and Louise Williams with their son Mikey on their wedding day at St Mary's Church in Westfield, Workington (Image: Submitted)
'Some people thought we'd just got married on the ship! Everyone walking past smiled and said congratulations.'
