Dog-walkers in Wanstead Park had a surprise this weekend as a horse-drawn carriage marriage procession took a shortcut through the beauty spot.

The wedding of Graham and Luisa Bonomo-Jackson took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, in Cambridge Park, on Saturday (August 22).

After booking the horse-drawn carriage a year ago, their plan to make it in time for the midday service from their home in Aldersbrook Road, Wanstead, was put in doubt due to long-running gas works in Blake Hall Road.

But the two 28-year-olds were successful in obtaining a licence from the City of London Corporation to allow them to use the bridal path in Grade II listed Wanstead Park.

It is believed to be the first time the path has been used by a wedding procession since the 18th century and hundreds of people lined the route in celebration.

They made it to the church on time before moving on to the venue of Gaynes Park in Epping.

Mother of Luisa, Maggie Bonomo, said: “Because of the traffic we were worried about getting to the wedding and Luisa had the idea of asking whether the main gate can be opened for us.

“We would never have got there in time if it wasn’t for the kindness of the City of London Corporation in granting us permission.

“It’s the first wedding procession since around the time the Temple was built.

“We went all the way through the park from Northumberland Avenue to Warren Road Gate.

“We were so lucky with the weather too as it was a really hot day.

“Hundreds of people were taking photographs and they were cheering us on through the park.

“The wedding itself was really beautiful with an emerald green theme to reflect our Irish heritage.”