Olympic rings to wedding rings

5:53pm Thursday 9th October 2008

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GOLDEN sailor Sarah Ayton made a stunning bride when she tied the knot with fellow Olympian Nick Dempsey.

The double Olympic gold medallist wore flowers in her hair and a floor-length dress with a huge bow on the back and a tiny jacket when she wed her prince charming.

Sarah and Nick met, aged 18, at the youth world sailing championships in South Africa in 1998, and have managed to stay together while both being catapulted to Olympic sailing success.

The couple married in front of close family and friends at an intimate ceremony at Holy Trinity Church at Fleet, near Weymouth.

Sarah’s Yngling crewmates Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson were among the congregation.

The Rev Richard Press conducted the marriage, which was followed by the Lord Of The Dance hymn, the signing of the registers, prayers and ended with the hymn One More Step Along The Road I Go.

The 70 guests cheered when Sarah and Nick sealed their vows with a kiss.

Sarah took the surname of Dempsey despite a light-hearted suggestion that whoever won gold at the Beijing Olympics would keep their name.

The Olympians have secured a deal with Hello magazine, which allowed it exclusive images of the occasion and will be unveiled in two week’s time.

However the newlyweds were happy to pose for one photograph for the waiting national and regional press before their official wedding photos began.

More pictures at The Heights Hotel followed the service on Portland. Then 400 guests descended on the Moonfleet Manor hotel for the reception.

Many Olympic sailors were expected to attend the party.

Speaking prior to the wedding, Sarah said: “Nick and I have both been through memorable moments without celebrating, like our 21st and engagement, so we’re throwing a big do for all the people who have helped us in our career, all our sailing friends and everyone we know.

“We’re hoping its going to be a bit more than a wedding party.”