Kirsty and Dean Smith had planned to marry on 27 July this year.

Unfortunately, even though the church was booked, they could not find anywhere to hold the reception.

The couple discovered United were playing away and they could hold the reception at Bramall Lane on 10 August.

I didn't mind having it there because I knew the family would turn up

Kirsty Smith, bride

As a result, they won tickets to a match as part of the Nationwide Building Society's Weddings of the New Season competition.

Mrs Smith, whose husband is a Blades fan, said she had searched in vain for somewhere to hold the reception.

"Then I opened my big mouth and said to Dean, why don't you try Bramall Lane?

"That was the only day they had spare.

"So he booked that. He went to the church and cancelled the first date.

"I didn't mind having it there because I knew the family would turn up."

The team were playing away - and lost 1-2 to Coventry City.

She said her husband got an extra bonus after meeting the players.

"The team arrived back from Coventry and I didn't see my groom for half an hour - I was sitting in the reception on my own," she said.