71957-78THE champagne corks were popping just minutes after Evening Advertiser Bride of the Year Louisa Curtis said 'I do to' fianc Michael Nestor.

The rain held off and Louisa, 32, and Michael, 36, enjoyed a wedding they say exceeded all expectations.

About 50 people gathered at St Mark's Church in Rodbourne yesterday.

"It was brilliant really, really fantastic," said Michael.

"It all went to plan and was even better than we thought it would be."

Louisa walked up the aisle in a lavish full-length dress that featured a cascade of layers of pink tulle.

She wore a tiara made by friend Tracey Heard and was given away by family friend Andy Lake.

Following were bridesmaids ine Nestor, Louisa and Michael's 13-month-old daughter, as well as 14-year-old Amber White and Bobi Skerton, seven.

A traditional ceremony was conducted by Father David McConkey and the congregation sang hymns Lord Of All Hopefulness and Give Me Joy In My Heart.

Best man Mark Ritchie looked on proudly as Louisa and Michael were pronounced man and wife and a group of Louisa's friends gave a celebratory cheer from the back of the church.

The newly-weds then kissed and stood arm in arm as Father McConkey gave his blessing.

As the couple left the church with huge smiles across their faces they were greeted with showers of confetti and children blew foam bubbles.

After posing for pictures outside the church, taken by the Adver's Stuart Harrison, the couple were whisked away in a black Austin Princess limousine provided by Dangerfields of Swindon.

The reception took place in the Golden Ballroom at the Goddard Arms Hotel in Old Town where the wedding party enjoyed a three-course meal and the couple cut their impressive five-tier cake made by Sugar Celebrations.

Michael and Louisa stayed overnight in the bridal suite at the hotel and will set off for their 10-day honeymoon to Kenya on Monday.

Yesterday was the culmination of months of preparation.

"We've had a brilliant day," said Louisa. "We want to thank all of our family and friends who have helped us with preparations big and small."

Michael proposed to Louisa on Easter Sunday last year and the couple only decided to enter the Evening Advertiser competition hours before the closing date passed.

Emma-Kate Lidbury