IT had all the hallmarks of a Hollywood wedding – extravagant cars, flamboyant costumes and an exquisite banquet to top off the celebrations.But getting married was never going to be a simple affair for former Grange Hill actress Wendy Hall and her partner Mark Garside.

IT had all the hallmarks of a Hollywood wedding – extravagant cars, flamboyant costumes and an exquisite banquet to top off the celebrations.

But getting married was never going to be a simple affair for former Grange Hill actress Wendy Hall and her partner Mark Garside.

In front of a sea of tuxedoes, bow ties and feather boas, the bride and groom walked down the aisle yesterday dressed as their favourite screen idols, James Bond and Marilyn Monroe.

The couple, from Buxhall, near Stowmarket, wanted their special day to be as different as possible and invited wedding guests to dress as if they were going to the Oscars.

Wendy, 30, arrived at St Mary's Church in Buxhall in a stretched pink Cadillac.

Accompanied by her father Cyril, the bride emerged from the leather seats wearing a long pink gown similar to the one made famous by Monroe in the movie Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

Her partner, Mark, 37, who along with Wendy works as an officer at Highpoint Prison, near Haverhill, wore the trademark Bond white tuxedo with black bow tie and trousers.

"I'm loving every minute of it and it's the greatest day of my life. We wanted to make it as special as we could and it certainly is different," said Wendy.

Mark added: "It's a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. Marilyn is Wendy's favourite film character and James Bond is mine. From the day we started organising it, this is how we wanted it to be."

With diamonds around both her neck and wrists, Wendy burst into verses of Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend before entering the church. In keeping with the Bond theme, the bride walked down the aisle to For Your Eyes Only.

During the service guests also heard the theme to Octopussy, An All Time High, while the Rev Nigel Hartley slotted in all 35 film titles involving the screen legends into his speech.

Speaking after the service, Mr Hartley said: "This is probably the most unusual wedding I have done, although I have given a blessing in a pub which was quite fun.

"We will be praying that for Wendy and Mark, Diamonds are Forever, the Seven Year Itch is never a problem and that they begin their married life in Buxhall with Love."

After the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a reception in Buxhall Village Hall designed around the theme of the Oscars. The couple are spending their honeymoon in Bulgaria.