A bride has revealed how she and her groom spent their first night of married life in A&E - after he tumbled on the dance floor.

Instead of enjoying a night of passion in the swanky hotel honeymoon suite they had booked, Nicola and James Campbell, were in casualty.

The unplanned trip took place after 30-year-old James tripped while having a dance.

Nicola, 25, said she thought it was funny at first.

She said: "He'd had a few. He’s quite reserved, so I knew he was merry to be up and dancing.

Instead of enjoying a night of passion in the swanky hotel honeymoon suite, Nicola and James Campbell, turned heads in the casualty department (
Image:
PA Real Life/Tracy McQuillan Photography)

“When he tripped, I thought it was funny at first. But then I saw he was close to tears and realised he’d actually really hurt himself.

“He'd landed on his left ankle awkwardly and was limping around, so I knew we had to go to casualty in case it was broken.”

The couple from Greenock, Scotland, were then driven to hospital by an usher.

And after around five hours in A&E, thankfully, medics told Nicola, a care assistant, and factory worker James his ankle was just badly sprained.

Nicola said: “We looked such a sight walking in with all our wedding gear on. People were constantly coming up to us – doctors, nurses, other patients.

James sprained his ankle while on the dance floor (
Image:
PA Real Life)

“I think we were the night’s entertainment.”

But it was not the first shock the couple, who had been friends for years before becoming an item, had been given on their big day.

The ceremony went smoothly, as did everything from the first dance to the cake cutting.

Then Nicola narrowly missed disaster when she went outside for some fresh air.

“I was chatting to some guests when one dropped a lighter. I didn’t even see, but it burst into flames right near the hem of my dress,” she recalled.

“Thankfully, my photographer, Tracy, saw it happen and kicked it out of the way. Otherwise, I’d have gone up in flames within seconds.

“I thought that’d be the only drama of my day – but there was definitely more to come.”

The couple are about to celebrate their first wedding anniversary (
Image:
PA Real Life)

The couple got engaged when James proposed on Christmas Day 2015.

As thoughts turned to wedding plans, loved ones asked Nicola what sort of day she dreamed of.

“I just wanted something cheap and cheerful – a do at the local pub with all my friends,” she said.

“But I told my nan, Ruby, who I’m very close to, and she said, ‘Nicola, you’re not having your wedding in a pub.’

“She made me realise that you only do this once, and it’s the biggest day of your life, so I may as well make a fuss.”

After finding her dream lacy gown with a crystal-encrusted waist – Nicola booked her big day for June 10 2017 at St Andrew’s Church in Greenock.

Nicola on her hen do (
Image:
PA Real Life)

It was then on to Gamble Halls for an evening of celebration which turned into a trip to the hospital.

Around 4am the next morning, James and Nicola were finally discharged, heading home instead of to the honeymoon suite they had booked - although, understanding hotel staff let the couple rearrange their stay.

For around a week, James struggled to put any weight on his ankle, meaning walking was difficult and painful.

Fortunately, by the time the pair jetted off to Benidorm, Spain, for their honeymoon in July, he was more mobile.

Reflecting on her memorable nuptials, Nicola said: “Poor James blames himself and worried he’d ruined the day – but these things happen. It’s not like he did it on purpose.

“I actually think it’s really funny. And at least we – and our guests – will never forget the day. But, with our first anniversary coming soon, I am hoping it will be less eventful."