Olympic rowers Natasha Page and Sam Townsend have something g-old and something crew – as they get married in front of their proud teammates.
Natasha, 27, married Sam , 26, at a sports star-studded ceremony attended by no fewer than 15 fellow Olympians.
Natasha was part of the women’s eight who finished fifth at London 2012, while Sam also finished fifth with Bill Lucas as part of the men’s double skull.
The couple shared their big day with gold medallist Alex Gregory, who won in the coxless fours and was an usher.
Sophie Hosking, who won gold in the women’s lightweight double skulls with teammate Katherine Copeland, was a bridesmaid.
Natasha and Sam, who live in Reading, tied the knot at Grade I listed Hartpury Church in Gloucestershire on Saturday.
“It was such an awesome day, it was exactly what we wanted,” Natasha said.
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“There were a few sore heads on Sunday morning but nothing too bad. It was a big party with all of our loved ones there, and it was really chilled out.
“The food, which my sister’s company Cater Cater supplied, was amazing. All the rowers loved it and they’re usually a picky bunch.
“We really couldn’t have wished for a better day.”
The couple met through their love of rowing in Reading eight years ago, where they were both rowing for different clubs.
A relationship soon blossomed and Sam proposed to Natasha – a bronze medallist at last year’s World Championships – on Christmas Day in 2010.
Natasha added: “It was very romantic. It was snowing and we went for a walk up a hill and he got down on one knee.”
The couple jetted off to Tanzania and Zanzibar yesterday (Mon) for their honeymoon before Sam is due to start training again.
Natasha said: “I’m really looking forward to going on safari. I’ve never done that before.
“We will be going on the safari with a couple of friends, so it will be just the four of us, and then we’ll go our separate ways.
“We haven’t been out there before so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Natasha has hung up her oars after representing Team GB for the past 11 years and will start working with the women rowers at Oxford University.
