A COUPLE whose dream wedding plans were dashed when hurricane Ivan hit Jamaica are battling to stop a second wedding plan falling through.

Michael Cannings and Nicky Carter, of Strouden Park, Bournemouth, had been saving up for their Caribbean ceremony for nearly two years.

But instead of tying the knot on a romantic verandah in the tropical sun, they ended up sheltering in their Montego Bay hotel as 160mph hour winds ripped through the island.

"It was bad," said trainee teacher Nicky, 21, who met her fiance when they both attended Brockenhurst College. "At first I didn't think it was happening.

"We were meant to be getting married last Friday, but spent all of that day with 500 people in the ballroom. Because there were so many of us, we were all on sunbed cushions."

The couple - who were in Jamaica with 37 friends and family - flew home four days earlier than planned at the beginning of this week.

They had already booked a reception for 150 guests at the Carrington House Hotel on Saturday week. They have now set their hearts on holding the ceremony earlier that day, but have been told they have to give 15 days' notice to the local registrar by law.

"At the moment, there's a very slim chance," said Nicky. "It's quite except-ional circumstances - we've got everything to prove we were meant to be getting married last Friday."

Electrician Michael, 22, said: "We could lose all our money at the hotel. If we do, the wedding is going to be another six months or a year away. The trip and moving house has cleaned us out."

Superintendent registrar Linda Lovett explained that the 15 days' notice could only be waived by the Register General for England in "extreme circumstances".

She added: "Although we are fully booked with weddings and notices at the moment, we have offered this couple an appointment to give notice and the opportunity to use the marriage room at the Town Hall on October 2, which is the earliest date they can get married under the requirements."

A spokesman for the Register General said: "The couple are at liberty to apply for a waiver. We will give it our close and sympathetic attention, but there are no guarantees."

First published: September 16