A MAN with a sword and pistol strode into Swindon's register office and was promptly disarmed with a kiss.

That is because Ian Bascombe, 29, was marrying his sweetheart, Jessica Mason-Storm, 24, at Aspen House, Temple Street, in full American Civil War attire.

Family and friends also followed the unusual dress code for the service, producing a scene reminiscent of the Hollywood classic, Gone With the Wind, starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.

But there was no bloodshed in this story, although the bride's father broke a sweat when the couple celebrated their nuptials with a kiss lasting almost as long as the ceremony.

Afterwards Jess, who combined a traditional white dress with the historic theme, said that she felt calmer than she had expected.

The mother-of-two said: "It has lived up to all my expectations. I didn't know beforehand what Ian or any of the other guests would be wearing so it's a lovely surprise."

The couple, who have been together for almost two years, met through their passion for the Civil War.

Ian has been interested in this period for as long as he can remember and often attends camps around the country where battle scenes are re-enacted.

Ian, from Portsmouth Street, said: "I met Jess' parents a few years before I met Jess.

" It was in a camp in Northampton on a rainy night and everyone's tents kept collapsing. We became friends after that."

The brides' mother and father, Judy, 63, and Michael Davies make period costumes, which they sell at the re-enactment camps.

They said that Ian and his best man, Ian Davies who is no relation, are like adopted sons.

Michael, 61, said: "Ian is a lovely boy and calls us Ma and Pa. It was only natural that romance would blossom after they first met."

Ian's mother, Susan Bascombe, said she wasn't surprised the couple had opted for the theme.

Mrs Bascombe, who is in her 50s, said: "He has been interested in the confederates and all the history for years. I don't know how his interest started."

Jess' children, Issabelle, 8, and Joshua, 4, were bridesmaid and pageboy, along with Tanya Newall, 8, and Jayne O'Connor, 13.

The service was conducted by Superintendent Registrar Karen Knapton. She said she was quite used to couples opting for unusual themes.

Ms Knapton said: "We have had James Bond themes, and Wurzel Gummidge with Aunt Sally. I am happy to do them although I won't dress up."

Ian and Jess held their reception in the Regent Hotel in Old Town after yesterday's service.

They set off today to honeymoon in London where they will attend another camp and spend their second night together as a married couple sleeping under the stars in a tent.

FACT FILE

It was the greatest war in American history, hinging on reluctance in the south to abolish slavery.

Three million Americans fought and 600,000 died between 1861 and 1865.

It was the only war fought on American soil by Americans.

The battles of the civil war were waged all across the states from New Mexico and Tennessee to Vermont and Florida.

On March 4, 1861, President Lincoln was inaugurated and wanted to end the conflict without warfare.

On December 18, 1865, the 13th amendment to the constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery.