I'll never forget date of our anniversary'

Remembering the date of your wedding anniversary proves to be an unfortunate struggle for some of us.

But a happy couple from Banstead are unlikely to forget the date of their dream day – as Sam and Angela tied the knot on Valentine's Day.

So happy: Angela and Sam Shale in the grounds of the Woodlands Hotel, where they are staying after getting married on Valentine's Day Photo no RSMAK150210-D03 by Alec Kingham
First dance: Sam and Angela sway to the music Photo by Hayley Bray Photography www.hayleybray.com
Valentine wedding: Sam and Angela on their wedding day.
Photo by Hayley Bray Photography
www.hayleybray.com
NOTE TO SUBS:WEDDING PHOTOS MUST BE ACCREDITED.
Cupid's couple:Angela and Sam Shale got married on Valentines Day.
Photo no: RSMAK150210-D04
by Alec Kingham

Sam Shale and Angela Earl, now Mr and Mrs Shale, were married on Sunday in Woodlands Park Hotel near Leatherhead.

Sam, 33, said: "I recommend everyone gets married on Valentine's Day. It makes it much more special.

"It's the day of my birthday as well so I'm never going to forget the date."

The newlyweds met two years ago when Sam was on a rest and relaxation break from fighting in Afghanistan.

He said: "I volunteered to go over and fight with the Territorial Army and also met Angela that year.

"We had a couple of dates while I was in the country and we just clicked."

Angela, 32, said: "We've known of each other most of our lives but never met properly. I'm glad the war wasn't on television as much then as it is now otherwise I think I would be panicking more about Sam's safety.

"But part of me was thinking: 'I've just met this lovely guy, I really hope nothing happens to him.'"

When Sam returned safe and sound a few months later the couple enjoyed a whirlwind romance. Sam proposed to Angela on a candlelit beach in Egypt.

They initially planned to get married on September 10 – exactly two years after his proposal – but picked Valentine's Day instead.

Angela said: "It was just such a perfect day. Everyone kept telling us how lovely it was we were getting married on such a romantic day.

"I think lots of the male guests were grateful they didn't have to take their girlfriends out for a pricey meal as well."

Angela walked down the aisle to Come Away With Me by Norah Jones, and the couple shared their first dance to Greatest Day by Take That.

She said: "We are very traditional so we're looking forward to settling down, having kids, living the dream basically.

"Valentine's Day will always be special to us now.

"And I can combine Sam's birthday and anniversary presents which works out well."