A Frinton couple have enjoyed a wedding with a difference, combining Victoriana with Jules Verne science fiction.

Nicola O’Brian and Mark Vousen, now O’Brian, tied the knot “Steampunk” style, while enjoying the Isle of Man’s transport heritage.

Now, they plan a blessing in Frinton, which they say will be the first “Steampunk” wedding in town.

“Steampunk” incorporates Victorian dress, inspired by the steam-based technology of the era.

Nicola and Mark, originally from Kent, are massive science fiction fans and Mark also has a passion for transport, working in the industry for 26 years.

The couple took 20 family and friends to the Manx Isle for the May 4 registry office nuptials, which saw them tour the island, with only a few hours for the wedding breakfast and ceremony.

“It was bonkers, utterly bonkers. We were charging around the island like a mad episode of Dr Who. The last thing I wanted was people sat in a dull hotel where people don’t talk to each other,” Nicola recalled of the day.

Pictures from the wedding day are now being used by the transport and tourism authorities of the island as promotional tools.

Now, the couple plan a church blessing at Frinton Methodist Church on Ashly’s Road at 2pm on Saturday May 28, followed by a ‘knees-up’ in the ‘Victorianised’ Victory pub in Walton, both with people in Steampunk dress. A ride on Walton Pier’s historic carousel is also promised.

There will be sack cloth bunting and wooden crates for the buffett and live music from local artist Sammy B and an 'Irish style' retro band The Wild Murpheys! The bash will also raise some money for St Helena Hospice Colchester. And rather than it be Mr and Mrs Vousden, 44, Mark is taking the name of his 45-year-old wife, who runs the Love Your Feet podiatry clinic in Kings Avenue.

“I have three children, two older boys and William, 11, who still lives with us. He thought it was unfair William and I would change our names so he changed his name. It was very chivalrous,” Nicola added.