TWO lovers of history stepped back in time for their special day to experience a traditional Victorian wedding in Suffolk.

Alexander Patterson, 29, and Rosie Cummings, 27, tied the knot in the beautiful round-towered St Margaret's Church in Toft Monks at the weekend.

As well as having the guests walk to the church, the couple rallied together their closest family and friends to help make the day a team effort.

All the food was home-cooked and many of the costumes were hand-made, including Mrs Patterson's beautiful authentic Victorian wedding dress, complete with parasol, which was made by her mother.

She said: 'It's been absolutely wonderful. It's perfect.'

The couple met in 2003 at the University College London where they were both studying archeology. Mrs Patterson, originally from Licolnshire, now works as an archaeologist and Mr Patterson in heritage, in Kent.

Mr Patterson said: 'Our friendship blossomed into love and in 2009 I proposed to Rosie on her birthday in December.'

The couple also had a surprise horse and cart escort them to and from the church, and they enjoyed an afternoon of playing traditional Victorian games, such as cricket and croquet, at Mr Patterson's family home in Toft Monks.

'If I had to pick a theme again I would always pick Victorian,' Mrs Patterson added.

The couple will be spending their honeymoon staying in a Yurt in Yorkshire.