Last updated 12:12, Friday, 06 June 2008

JOANNE Fidler, 31, a cabin services supervisor originally from Carlisle, and James Duff, 32, a product development manager, both work for Virgin Atlantic Airways. They live in Crawley, West Sussex. All their work friends attended the wedding after the couple wrote a letter to Sir Richard Branson asking if they could be rostered on the Cape Town flight over New Year’s Eve.

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Joanne Fidler and James Duff

HOW THEY MET: At a school disco in January 2002.

PROPOSAL: During a picnic by Bassenthwaite Lake on July 21, 2006.

VENUE: Devon Valley Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa on December 31, 2007.

THEME: Irish, Celtic, gold, silver and aquamarine.

BRIDE’S OUTFIT: A Phil Collins gown embroidered with crystals and sequins with a sweetheart neckline, a full tulle organza skirt and a corset-style back; crystal tiara; and cathedral-length veil from White Dresses and Tiaras, Crawley.

GROOMSMEN: Ciaran Ahern was best man. The groom’s brother Damien Duff was an usher. Paul Irons was master of ceremonies. The bride was given away by her nephews, Carl and Luke Irons. The groom wore a Hugo Boss suit, with a silver ruche tie, while the groomsmen wore suits from Burtons with aquamarine ties.

BRIDESMAIDS: The bride’s sister Tracey Irons, 33, was chief bridesmaid. Rachel Thompson, 31, was a bridesmaid. They wore aquamarine dresses made by Cynthia Hewson, of Blackford.

FLOWERS: A teardrop bouquet of stargazer lilies decorated with crystals and beads. The bridesmaids had similar hand-tied bouquets.

RECEPTION: Pimms and champagne reception at the Devon Valley Hotel with a hot buffet lunch. The evening dinner-dance for 32 guests doubled up as a New Year’s Eve celebration.

TABLE SETTINGS: Cube vases with posies of lilies, roses and bear grass, scattered petals and Irish sweets.

FAVOURS: Silver envelopes used as name cards containing scratch cards and paracetamol.

CAKE: A two-tier cake with carrot and chocolate layers made by Joan Jooste, of Cape Town, and decorated with calla lilies and shamrocks. A glass vase containing a flower display separated the layers.

FIRST DANCE: The Scientist by Coldplay, which was performed by Brian and Lynn Peaceful.

ENTERTAINMENT: Brian and Lynn Peaceful.

HONEYMOON: South Africa and Mauritius.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Martin Ayley Photography, of Horsham.

VIDEOGRAPHER: Richard Carr, of Crawley.