It was a wedding years in the making for Wiltshire couple Nik and Marie.

The couple tied the knot on Monday (May 17) at the Moonraker Hotel in Trowbridge. The date had been pushed forward to allow a larger number of guests to enjoy an indoor reception.

From this week, newlyweds in England are able to share their big day with up to 30 friends and family, but some traditional activities such as dancing are still advised against.

New coronavirus guidance say weddings will be able to happen provided they are at a Covid-safe venue that has been allowed to open.

Nik, a bricklayer, and Marie, a nursery manager, first met when they were 18 and went on a handful of dates. Their romance, at that point, was not to be - and they drifted apart. But five years ago, they met again and love blossomed.

Nik proposed on a frosty New Year's Eve in Venice two years ago, after whisking his then-girlfriend away on a surprise holiday.

"He proposed on a gondala," recalled Marie.

"It was beautiful! It was so cold, and the canal looked like it was smoking. It was so romantic."

It was a patient wait throughout multiple lockdowns for the big day this week, and the couple were overjoyed to share the special day with their families.

Nik, originally from Bristol, and Marie, who is from Bath, said the smaller numbers made for a more intimate occasion.

"It was much better having less people. Everyone was able to talk to each other and have a bit more quality time, we got lovely feedback," Marie said.

Wiltshire Times: Photo by Trevor PorterPhoto by Trevor Porter

The couple are heading to St Ives, Cornwall, for their honeymoon after international travel plans were scuppered by Covid restrictions.

But despite the pressures of the pandemic, the happy couple still were overjoyed after their ceremony.

Marie said: "The Moonrakers staff were just out of this world, they were so helpful and made our wedding perfect in every way. Nothing was too much work for them and we are so thankful."