WEDDINGS Dream day with all the family

The couple: Christopher Rhys Williams, 32, a civil engineer from Rhydyfelin and Tessa Sheree Ryan, 30, a teaching assistant from Llanharry.

The couple live at their family home in Llanharry with their two children Caden and Caian.

The venue: The couple married at Pencoed House Estate, Capel Llanilltern, in Cardiff. How they met: “Tess and I met through her friend, Mary,” explained Chris.

“Tess accompanied Mary to my family home in Rhydyfelin for a family party as a guest of my cousin Ian, who was dating Mary.

“We met again at Ian and Mary’s engagement party a few weeks later and went on our first date the following day.” The proposal: Chris proposed to Tess on St Dwynwen’s Day – the annual date celebrating the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

He popped the question when the couple were on the beach at Ogmoreby-Sea. They were taking their dog for a walk when he ran off in front and wrote the question out in the sand. The wedding: The couple originally planned on getting married in Cyprus, but Tess woke one morning and decided a wedding in Wales, with all the couple’s families present, was what she really wanted.

“We visited Pencoed House Estate and instantly loved the venue and grounds,” Chris said.

“On the morning of the wedding we woke to glorious sunshine and enjoyed the perfect day.

“Family and friends joined us and all enjoyed a wonderful day – even if the bride was 25 minutes late!”

Mary, who was one of the five bridesmaids, also gave a rendition of The Fresh Princess of Llanharry – a poem written for Tess.

The best man also sang a duet with singer James Williams, who entertained guests throughout the day. The honeymoon: “Having stayed overnight at Pencoed House Estate, we returned home for the following day before our boys were packed off with grandparents for Tess and I to travel to Gatwick,” explained Chris.

“We flew to Sal Island in Cape Verde on the following morning.”