Real life wedding

Would-be bridegrooms take note: if you are looking for a romantic way to propose, you will have to go a long way to beat REME Sergeant Peter Stewart.

To the other side of the world in fact. Peter went down on one knee to ask nurse Becky Giles to marry him while they were dining at Guillaume at Bennelong, which is nestled under the iconic sails of Sydney Opera House.

Becky's mum, Pauline, was in Australia atthe same time and mother and daughter met up later in Brisbane and hit the shops. After two days they found Becky's dream dress – a strapless white silk gown gathered to the left and trimmed with pearls and Swarovski crystals. “It was a simple design with a lace-up back to the corset-style bodice and with a train incorporated,” said Becky, who also bought all her accessories, again trimmed with the Swarovski crystals, in Australia.

The date was fixed for May 19, 2007, and took place at the parish church in Weare Giffard where Becky's parents, Pauline and David, live. Peter's parents, Glynis and David Stewart, travelled from their home at Warton, Lancashire, for the special day.

Best man and usher were Becky's brothers Andrew and Christopher, who brought Becky and Peter together – they both serve as Corporals with REME and, about four years ago, took Peter home with them... and the rest, as they say, is history!

It's been a year of weddings for the Giles family as Andrew and Christopher were also recently married. Their wives, Donna and Jasmine, were Becky's bridesmaids and wore antique rose pink two-piece dresses with lace-up backs and crystal trim to match the bride's gown.

After the ceremony, Sergeant and Mrs Stewart had special permission to have
photographs taken in the privately-owned 14th century hall next to the church, with beautiful grounds overlooking the river.

Then it was on to Yeoldon House Hotel at Northam for the reception. “I am so glad I chose this hotel,” said Becky. “It was beautiful, perfect. It was a lovely day and they made things go so smoothly and the food was fantastic. The
staff were very efficient and we were really, really pleased. It was all very personalised and, during the run-up, they were willing to discuss any aspect whenever we wanted.”

Becky and Peter are forever grateful to the people who made their day so very special, especially to both sets of parents for their support. They were also delighted with photographer Julie Wicks, of Barnstaple, who devised a package, tailored to their requirements, which included a DVD slide show and a CD of all the pictures. There was praise too for Alan Braund of AJB Videos,
Northam, who filmed the event; Cora of Cantel Cakes near Knowle; Secret Garden, also in Northam, for the flowers; and Professor Dr D'Locker for permission to use the hall for photos.