SECULAR CEREMONY - MARRIAGE: Samantha and Tony Hardy say their wedding day last month could not have been better.

The couple, from Marlborough Road, Swindon, opted for a secular wedding on April 5 after Samantha attended a humanist funeral.

While their parents may not have approved initially, the newlyweds would not have had it any other way.

Samantha, who celebrated her 31st birthday on the same day, said: "I went to a humanist funeral many years ago and liked the way the ceremony was solely about the person and their life. When we decided to get married we looked into humanist weddings.

"I know my mum was keen on a church wedding, and my father is not religious so he was happy as long as we were. Tony's parents were a bit confused by it at first, as were my grandparents. But on the day they all thought it was lovely."

Tony, 34, an IT consultant, and Samantha, who is training to become a beauty therapist, were legally required to have a state register office ceremony before the secular service.

Samantha said: "The format for the wedding itself was the same as a church or civil wedding, except it was held at The Manor House Golf Club, in Castle Combe.

"It was a fantastic day, and couldn't have been better. Our friends and family really loved the ceremony. I would definitely recommend secular ceremonies to other people if they want something personal, which is about the couple."