A bride who thought her wedding dreams were dashed when Chilford Hall burned down has said her big day had been a “dream come true” after amazing efforts from the venue’s staff.

Emma Farr and Greg Smith were devastated when they discovered the 18th century Grade II-listed site was the victim of an arson attack on Wednesday morning – just two days before their big day.

They had planned to celebrate their reception at the hall’s pavilion.

But the happy couple, who have been together since they met at school six years ago, tied the knot yesterday and were still able to have their day at the event venue in a marquee with 200 guests.

Emma, 24, and Greg, 26,  were astounded by the efforts of staff from Chilford Hall, who “saved the day”.

Greg, a sales assistant at Medlock Electrical, said: “Words cannot describe what Chilford has managed to do for us, it’s just amazing.”

“When we turned up on Wednesday, the firefighters were still here. We didn’t know what was going to happen. Emma had her heart set on Chilford and we didn’t want to change to another venue. We’re so happy we stayed here. It’s better than we could have imagined.”

Emma was speechless when she walked into the marquee  decked out with her turquoise wedding-theme tables, laid ready for her 100 guests, and the wedding cake ready to cut.

She said when the couple’s first venue fell through just two months ago, Chilford Hall staff saved the day – and now they had done it again.

Emma, a project leader at engineering firm TWI, added: “When Kim from Chilford was ringing me at 6am on Wednesday in front of a burning building, I thought that was it.

“The team worked so hard and this is 10 times better than I could have imagined. All my dreams have come true. I love it and I wouldn’t change a single thing.”

Fiona Alper, of Chilford Hall, said: “My team here have been incredible. It’s amazing what they’ve done in just two days. They have been working round the clock to pull this off. I’ve had hundreds of letters, cards and flowers from people. It’s such a tragedy – it’s like there’s been a death in the family.”

The Cambridge News, our sister title, delivered a special souvenir front page to the couple, marking their happy day.

The newlyweds, who were married at St John the Evangelist Church in Hills Road, Cambridge, will honeymoon in Egypt. They live in Cherry Hinton.

:: Two men have been remanded in custody after appearing in court over the fire.

Mark Hall, 27, and Thomas Richardson, 26, appeared before magistrates in Cambridge yesterday charged with two counts of arson with intent to endanger life in relation to the fire.

The men, who live at different addresses in Pipers Close, Haverhill, did not enter a plea. 

They were remanded in custody to appear at Cambridge Crown Court today.