Robert Whittle, 84, and Vera Lawrence, 93, tied the knot on New Year's Day after a 33-year fairytale romance. The couple were married in front of around 30 delighted friends and family at St Luke's Church in their hometown of Beccles, Suffolk. The Rev John Beauchamp, who conducted the ceremony, said the couple's bungalow was 'a place filled with the light of love'. Diana Ross famously sang that you can't hurry love - and for one couple with a combined age of 177, three decades of waiting have finally paid off. Robert Whittle, 84, and Vera Lawrence, 93, tied the knot on New Year's Day after a 33-year fairytale romance. The couple were married in front of around 30 delighted friends and family at St Luke's Church in their hometown of Beccles, Suffolk.The devoted pair remained seated throughout the ceremony. There was not a dry eye in the house when, at the end of the service, the new Mrs Whittle declared: 'This is the happiest day of my life - and it has been a long one and a happy one.' Robert and Vera met through a local bowls club and their love affair blossomed after they were paired up in competitions. After 33 years together, Vera bravely decided to propose to Robert five weeks ago. The Rev John Beauchamp, who conducted the ceremony, said the couple's bungalow was 'a place filled with the light of love'. He told them: 'Today is a special moment in your journey together.' Robert, who has two children, said after the service that he was 'very, very happy' to have got married. His new wife described it as a 'lovely day'. The Rev Beauchamp said this wedding was the first time he had married anyone over the age of ninety. 'It is absolutely fantastic that after 33 years together they have taken the decision to get married; they are a very lovely couple he said.'