A DIVORCE lawyer celebrated her successful matchmaking skills – at the wedding of a colleague and a former client, whom she introduced to each other two years ago.

Susan Anderson, who is more accustomed to dissolving marriages than helping create them, became friends with headmistress Rachel Taylor, who sought her help to divorce her first husband.

The solicitor with Tassells law firm in West Street, Faversham, then engineered a matchmaking lunch between Rachel and Susan's bachelor colleague, Ian Wessels. The rest, as they say, is history.

Of assuming the role of Cupid, Susan said: "I'm thrilled to bits with the outcome of my matchmaking. It really is like a fairytale.

"When I first introduced them I knew they would get on – but I never envisaged this!

"Ian was very much set in his ways, so I knew Rachel, who is outgoing and fun- loving, would bring some excitement to his life. They've completely opened up each other's worlds."

Rachel, 37, a former headmistress at St Mary of Charity Primary School, agreed to meet solicitor Ian, 51, at the Villa Toscana Italian restaurant in Whitstable Road, Faversham, for their first date.

This is where she fell for his "easy-going nature" and, little more than two years after her divorce was finalised, Ian popped the question in a suitably understated way.

Rachel recalls the moment: "Ian's proposal was very down-to-earth – just like our relationship. He suggested it one day in conversation and I agreed immediately. It was lovely and low-key. Ninety days later, we were married.

"We owe Susan so much. She's a consummate professional, but also an amazing friend. To be where we are now is all down to her."

After Rachel's divorce Susan organised for her to change her name by deed poll, allowing her to revert to her maiden name. This was changed again at the ceremony on Sunday.

Susan added: "It's the first time I have been responsible for changing the name of a client twice.

"Not only that, I wonder how many brides invite their divorce lawyer to be a witness at their wedding!

"In the divorce courts, there's no real happy ending, so it's satisfying to bring a couple together for once."

The couple, who live in Cobham Chase, Faversham, were married at Hempstead House Hotel in Bapchild.

The new Mr and Mrs Wessels are now enjoying their honeymoon in Rye, East Sussex.