A bride's veil took flight over Farnham Castle after strong winds swept it from her head during a wedding photoshoot, sparking a search and an appeal for its return.

Harry Booker, 28, and his bride Hazel, 30, were enjoying their dream wedding when Storm Boelo sent her veil soaring into the skies.

The newlyweds, originally from Farnham but now living in Basingstoke, had always dreamed of getting married at the historic castle.

The couple, who met online, had been looking forward to celebrating their special day in the town where they grew up.

On Sunday, October 25, they woke to clear skies and sunshine, believing the worst of the stormy weather was behind them.

Despite the sunshine, strong winds remained, and their photographer spotted an opportunity to capture a dramatic wedding photograph.

Missing veil photo Farnham
Harry Booker, 28, and his bride Hazel, 30, at their wedding at Farnham Castle (Harry Booker)

The plan was to photograph Hazel's long white veil, decorated with pearls and puff flowers, blowing in the breeze against the backdrop of the castle.

The couple had been allowed to climb to the top of the historic keep for the photographs, hoping to capture a memorable moment overlooking Farnham.

But Storm Boelo had other ideas.

As they posed for the camera, a sudden gust swept the veil from Hazel's head, sending it soaring "like a kite" into the sky.

The couple could only watch as the veil disappeared into the distance, travelling east-southeast away from the castle keep towards Farnham Park.

Castle staff quickly came to their rescue, organising two search parties involving 12 people in an attempt to track down the missing veil.

Despite their efforts, the search proved unsuccessful, with no trace of the wedding accessory found.

The newlyweds have since appealed for help on social media, hoping someone in Farnham might have spotted the veil or discovered it in their garden.

Harry and Hazel refused to let the mishap spoil their celebrations and went on to enjoy what they described as a wonderful wedding day.

Hazel said: “It would be amazing to reunite the veil with the dress, as I had bought it long before the wedding after a friend and I went dress shopping.”

Although the veil does not have significant sentimental value, the couple say its dramatic disappearance has made it a memorable part of their wedding.

Harry said: “I would be overjoyed if we could get it back. It doesn’t have sentimental value, but it is definitely very memorable.

“We hope one day someone will contact us and say they found it in their garden or on an aerial.”

For now, the couple are hoping their unusual wedding story might help reunite Hazel with her missing veil.

Meanwhile, they are planning a “honeymoon from home” as Hazel, a teacher, must return to work promptly after the half-term break.

They hope to enjoy a longer honeymoon later this year or early next year.

And while the newlyweds have plenty of photographs to remember their special day, they are still hoping the veil that made such a dramatic exit might one day find its way home.