Barely 24 hours after Hurricane Nicole ripped a trail of devastation across the island, Michael and Allison Broderick saw their wedding dreams come true as they walked down the aisle under brilliant blue skies.

The couple, who have family in Bermuda, had feared the worst as the powerful storm gathered strength and friends and family desperately changed travel plans to make it to the island for their big day.

But despite 120mph winds, torrential rain, flight cancellations and groomsmen having to dress on the plane and hotfoot it straight to yesterday’s 5pm service, almost all of their nearest and dearest were present to see them say “I do” at The Reefs in front of a calm turquoise sea.

“It’s been quite a stressful week,” Mr Broderick said. “We felt responsible for everyone that was here because they had made such a huge effort.

“It was also pretty scary seeing the storm grow and everyone making their preparations on the Wednesday.

“We’d never seen a hurricane before, this was our first one, and hopefully it’s our last too. But it has made this whole week an even more unforgettable and incredible experience for us.”

Mr and Mrs Broderick met at the University of Buffalo in 2006 and now live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where Mr Broderick works for a financial advisory firm and Mrs Broderick is a physician’s assistant. They have been frequent visitors to the island over the years to see Mr Broderick’s sister, Kathleen Dodwell, and her family. “It’s our favourite place in the world and we wanted to share it with all our friends and family,” Mr Broderick said. “My sister being a wedding planner is also a big help.

“In all we were supposed to have about 86 friends and family travel to Bermuda from New York state, and 60 have been able to make it. So we have done pretty well.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has made the effort to be here, and those that could not have sent their thoughts and good wishes.

“We’re both very excited. It’s a gorgeous day and to wake up and see the sun this morning after the last few days was just incredible. I have been smiling ear to ear all day. If we can weather this storm, then hopefully the rest should be a breeze.”