A Hitchin-based wedding company has helped a local bride-to-be secure the perfect transport for her special day – thanks to a chance encounter and a touch of theatrical nostalgia.

Charli Osborne, from nearby Stevenage, is set to tie the knot this August. After getting engaged in February, she attended a wedding fayre where one particular vehicle immediately caught her eye – a vintage VW campervan parked outside.

Speaking to Nub News, Charli said she "was already in love with it" before even speaking to Kate from Hitchin-based firm Lucky Penny Weddings, which specialises in vintage wedding vehicles.

But the story didn't end there.

In a twist of fate, Charli – who previously appeared in a production of Made in Dagenham as a "Cortina Girl" – was delighted to discover that Lucky Penny Weddings also had a classic Ford Cortina available.

Kate from Lucky Penny Weddings explained why the iconic MK1 Cortina remains such a popular choice for couples seeking something different.

She said: "Its classic British styling – clean lines, chrome accents, and vintage appeal – creates a romantic, retro backdrop for photos. Unlike large luxury cars, the Cortina has a more intimate, down-to-earth feel, making it ideal for couples who want something unique and personal rather than overly formal.

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"Being from the Swinging Sixties, it also carries a sense of fun and individuality, adding personality to the day. Reliable, compact, and stylish, the MK1 Cortina strikes a balance between elegance and quirkiness, making it a memorable choice that stands out from traditional wedding cars."

With fate – and even a Cortina keyring – playing its part, Charli ended up booking both the campervan and the Cortina for her wedding day.

Now, there's just one decision left to make: who gets to travel in which vehicle.