Agent to the stars Max Clifford married Jo Westwood in front of friends and family at the luxury Great Fosters hotel in Egham

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine May 2010 PHOTOS: Andy Newbold

It was the wedding that Jo and I had hoped and prayed it would be: a perfect day surrounded by the people who are most important in our lives. Jo looked absolutely stunning, as did her bridesmaids, and even the weather was kind to us and stayed dry.

While Jo must take the credit for virtually all the organising and planning, both of us would like to thank many others for making our wedding day, at Great Fosters in Egham, so perfect.

To Linda and Paul at Dandini, Weybridge, for the wonderful flowers. To Amy at Miss Bush, Ripley, for Jo’s beautiful Suzanne Neville wedding dress; Mark at Gordon Marks, Cobham, for her beautiful diamond pendant; and Gerry at Impeccable, Weybridge, for making me look as good as possible. To Gill Clow and Richard Young at Great Fosters, Egham, for taking so much time and trouble in providing everything we hoped for. To our registrar, Gene Clements, for the warm and happy service and to the amazing CK Gospel Choir for their lovely harmonies.

My wife and I would also like to thank the wonderful entertainment. Ruth Lorenzo, who for me is the best singer to emerge from X-Factor, and the supremely talented Rick Wakeman, who so deserved his standing ovation. To Bobby Davro for another magical performance and to my old mates The Searchers who quickly got everyone dancing. Another friend, Paul at Backtrack Disco, had just about everybody boogying until the early hours.

I must also thank my good friend and best man Peter Elliott for his kind and funny words and for the lovely tribute paid to Jo and myself by Bridget Turner, the heart and soul of the CHASE children’s hospice in Guildford.

Jo’s dad Freddie doesn’t find speaking easy but did himself proud on the night as did his wonderful daughter, who I’m happy and proud to say is now Mrs Joanne Clifford.

I would also like to thank all the Surrey Life readers for their messages and cards of congratulations and good luck.