A NEWLY-WED couple have been left devastated after having precious memories of their wedding day stolen.

Alex and Mark Fane say they have no photographs of their special day after their professional photographer’s camera was stolen.

They are now appealing for the return of the memory card.

The camera was taken from a marquee at the couple’s wedding reception party held at their home in Upper Burgate near Fordingbridge during the early hours of Sunday, September 10.

The Canon 5D Mark III camera had been concealed under a table and only left for about 10 minutes.

During this time Alex says some “uninvited guests” turned up at the party and were told to leave.

It was later discovered that the camera was missing.

“We are really upset and really want the memory card. We hope somebody knows something about it and has the kindness to send it back,” said Alex.

“I just feel a mixture of real sadness that we literally have no pictures. We knew we had a photographer so no-one was out with their iPhones.”

She added: “It feels like a violation because somebody’s got the photographs and they are special to us and mean nothing to them. Maybe they are lying in a gutter or still sitting in the camera. I keep thinking they are at the bottom of a bin bag or in a ditch. They mean so much to us.”

“As thefts go they couldn’t have stolen something more poignant,” said Alex.

“We sill had a lovely time, nothing can take that away. It is really sad they [the photographs] are gone.”

“All of us feel very deeply for the photographer.”

Appealing for their return, Alex said: “Please find a way of sending our memories back.”

The theft has been reported to the police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 and quoting crime reference 44170351059.

If found, the memory card can be returned anonymously via the Journal’s office in Rollestone Street, Salisbury.