BARRY'S own ‘Royal Wedding’ preparations are well under way with cruise competition winners Natasha Russell and Bradley Ashford selecting the dress and the rings for their big day.

Ms Russell, a Thomas Cook agent, and her fiancé, Mr Ashford, 52, both of Barry, beat two other couples in the final round of the Royal Caribbean’s Club’s competition to be crowned Club Royal Couple last August.

Entrants had to upload a video featuring themselves and their partner to the Club Royal website explaining why they should win.

The £25,000 prize package includes a one-week cruise in the Caribbean on-board Oasis of the Seas, flights, accommodation, and transfers for the couple and six guests in October this year.

The couple secured the services of A Year In Barry photographer Kevin Moore who captured their preparations.

The bride-to-be and her entourage shopped local at Wynter Isabelle, in Park Crescent, to select the dress and accessories and the couple journeyed to Cardiff to choose the all-important rings.

Mum-of-two, Ms Russell, 45, said: “I’m really excited and enjoying every single bit of the experience. I’m really looking forward to it all. It’s an experience we will never forget.”

Ben Bouldin, associate vice president and managing director UK & Ireland for Royal Caribbean International, said: “Natasha and Bradley are Royal Caribbean International’s first-ever Royal Couple and it’s incredibly exciting to hear that everyone in their local area is just as excited for them as we are.

"As a family brand, it’s very fitting that our “Royal Couple” will be surrounded by their friends and family on their special day.

“We wish Natasha and Bradley all the best for their wedding day."

The couple will take Mr Ashford's two children and his mum, Ms Russell’s two children and her mum and dad along with other family members.