Couple on-line for wedded bliss

By Rachel Hennessy

HAMPSHIRE vicar the Rev Peter Murphy is to conduct the world's first ever wedding on the Internet when a pair of long-distance lovers tie the knot.
The New Forest clergyman will tap out the marriage vows on his computer and the couple will respond on two separate terminals 70 miles away.
Andrew Hunt, 33, from Wellington in Somerset and Lisa Grosso, 40, of Palm Beach, Florida, wanted a desktop wedding after they fell in love on the Internet.
The computer-mad couple will officially marry on November 1 at a register office in Taunton, Somerset. They will then go to a cyber cafe - a coffee shop with computers - for the on-line service.

Mr Murphy, priest-in-charge of Lyndhurst and Minstead parish churches, volunteered after his son Daniel, a computer pro- grammer, heard their plans.
"He was embarrassed he had a computer illiterate father and thought it was time I was brought up to date," said Mr. Murphy who is no stranger to unorthodox weddings - having married people on boats and outdoors in the New Forest.
"It is very meaningful and authentic for the couple as they met and fell in love on the Internet."
He said the cyberspace service will include traditional Anglican readings and prayers.
"I just hope I can type fast enough. The other problem is that I am an appalling speller."
Mr Hunt, a factory supervisor, and interior designer Miss Grosso first met on an Internet chatline in May. Two weeks later, she flew to England to meet him.
"We decided to do this on-line wedding and were trying to find a vicar when Peter volunteered his services.
"It was a wonderful gesture," said a delighted Mr Hunt.

[Back to Newspapers INDEX] [Next Article]