Ice couple get wedding blessing

Delphine Boury and Nicolas Simoes had their marriage blessed on ice

A newly married couple who are both enthusiastic skaters, have taken part in what is believed to be the first wedding blessing on ice.

Delphine Boury and Nicolas Simoes met at a Children in Need event at an ice rink in Norwich where Ms Boury was due to skate with celebrity Robin Cousins.

But when Mr Cousins was forced to drop out, Mr Simoes took his place.

The couple, who now live Norwich, were blessed by Rev Peter Nokes at the EDF Energy Ice Rink in Norwich.

The pair, originally come from France, were joined by about 90 guests for the special ceremony.

Ms Boury wore a full-length ivory wedding dress which has been specially modified to allow the couple to dance their first dance on skates.

The couple met at a Children in Need event

Ms Boury said: "When we met in 2003... I had no idea that we would get together and eventually get married on it three years later.

"Skating has always played an important part in both our lives and it is amazing that we met and will now get married on Norwich's outdoor rink."

The couple were legally married in St Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, by Rev Nokes just minutes before taking to the ice for a service of thanksgiving.

Rev Nokes said: "I am delighted to have been asked by Delphine and Nicolas to officiate at their somewhat unusual wedding celebration.

"I am very happy to have part of the service on ice as I think it demonstrates the importance of shared interests in marriage.

"I'm just grateful that they didn't meet pot-holing or sky diving."