Wednesday's full eclipse may be something many of us remember for a long time: the special glasses, the colanders, and the eerie shadowing of the sun.

And for one couple, it was especially unforgettable as they got married during the once-in-a-generation event.

Jerry and Jamie Bone, from Gosfield, Essex, planned their big day around the astronomical phenomenon - the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999 - and tied the knot in Alpheton, near Sudbury, Suffolk.

Jamie said they had realised a few years ago the eclipse would take place in 2026, and decided it would be the "perfect" day to get married.

The couple provided their guests with special glasses and filters bought months in advance so they could view the partial eclipse over Suffolk.

"We just had everyone outside for a cocktail hour and then it got to seven o'clock and [we] took everyone over and handed out the [viewing] glasses," said Jamie.

"It was amazing, turning around and seeing everyone sat on the grass, with all their glasses. It was just such a nice moment."

"We did it in the front garden the day before, and we had perfect weather, so it works," joked Jamie.

He added their photographer was "wicked" capturing "some really impressive shots" of the spectacle and guest reactions.

The couple married in a mossy woodland by the river, and agreed they had the most "magical" wedding.

But the wedding did not end with the eclipse as just after midnight and in the early hours of Thursday, they were treated to the galactic "fireworks" of the Perseid meteor shower.

According to Norfolk-based marriage celebrant Jill Churchill, getting married during an eclipse is popular due to its significance and drama.

"The last eclipse was in 1999, they're quite special because they're quite far apart," she said.

In ancient times, the solar eclipse was thought to be a monster eating the sun, she said.

"The reason why they're so popular - certainly with pagan ceremonies - the solar eclipse is thought of as a merging of the sun and the moon."

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