Russell Felber and Ellen Siebers who married in the cathedral after falling in love with it six years ago. DA4659P1WHEN visiting Americans Russell Felber and Ellen Siebers saw Salisbury Cathedral on their first trip to Britain, it was love at first sight.

They arrived at the cathedral on the very last day of their nationwide coach tour and were instantly bowled over by the building and its special atmosphere.

They have returned at least once a year since and, last Monday, the couple sealed their love for each other, and Salisbury, when they wed in the cathedral's Morning Chapel.

Russell (46) met Ellen (40) after the printing firm for which he worked bought out the company that employed Ellen.

She came to work in an office just down the corridor from his and it wasn't long before Russell and Ellen, encouraged by their friends, started courting.

They had only just got together when they made their first trip to Britain and started a second romance with the cathedral.

Since then, the couple, who live in New Jersey, have become life members of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral and kept up-to-date with all the cathedral's activities.

Russell proposed to Ellen in a busy restaurant on board a cruise ship bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, in August 2002.

The happy couple had no problem deciding on a venue for their wedding, and they set about organising their special day.

With help from the vicar of the Close, the Reverend Michael Turner, and supported by their own priest in New Jersey, the couple successfully applied for a special Archbishop's Licence to allow them to marry in the cathedral.

Mr Turner said: "I was very moved by their determination to get married here in Salisbury Cathedral.

"This is for them very much a spiritual home, to which they have made repeated pilgrimages.

"I am delighted that their persistence paid off and very much enjoyed conducting their wedding."