THE story of Mark and Colette Pratt's unusual wedding, is featured on the Church of England Marriage Website with a photograph of them arriving at St Kew Church in a horse and carriage.

A few years' ago, Mark and Collette, who live at St Kew Highway, invited the Rev Judith Pollinger to visit them to discuss the baptism or christening of their three daughters. Then they asked if they could be married at the same time, but they wanted it to be a surprise for their family and friends. Only Colette's father and her best friend knew of the plan.

After the girls had been baptized, the guests, who had come for the baptism, were invited to step outside the church where Collette was waiting, sitting in a horse-drawn carriage and wearing her wedding outfit ready to re-enter the church as a bride.

The couple had been together for 15 years before their wedding, but they had never got around to getting married. Colette hadn't wanted the fuss of an elaborate wedding, with all the gifts and the clothes. She felt that the christenings were the priority, so these were performed first and then Mark and Colette were married in a simple ceremony.

Of course, the guests were astonished when they realized what was happening.

The Rev Judith Pollinger, who conducted the service said: "The christenings took about 20 minutes and when Collette came back into the church, we went straight into the marriage service. When guests were told what was happening there were some tears and laughter because it was such a big surprise. It was extra special that the three girls were bridesmaids to their parents."

Since the wedding, the couple have had another child, a son, named Samuel, whom the Rev Judith also christened.