It was supposed to be a red letter day.
But the special day for two postmasters was nearly scuppered by striking postal workers.
Without, I thee wed - Carlo and Valerie Guglielmi with the ring which turned up after the wedding Picture: STEVE ARGENT
Lawford sub-postmaster Carlo Guglielmi and Dedham sub-postmistress Valerie Graygoose were left without a wedding ring due to the unofficial walkouts.
The couple were married in the groom's home town of Castallana in southern Italy at the weekend and made do with the bride's engagement ring.
Now, with the ending of the strike and the arrival of the ring, they are looking forward to a blessing ceremony at Lawford parish church.
Mr Guglielmi explained: "The ring was made by a jeweller friend of mine in London but it was too small and had to be altered."
The ring was sent back by special delivery and should have arrived in Lawford last Wednesday.
When it failed to turn up, the manager at Manningtree sorting office dashed to Chelmsford to try to find the package, but to no avail.
The couple, along with about 30 friends from the area, had to leave for Italy on Thursday, before the ring finally turned up.
Published Wednesday November 5, 2003
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