Newlyweds have no cross to bear..

THE happiest day of Karen Watts' life also made history yesterday as she wed sweetheart Martin Reijns.

Irishwoman Karen, 29, and Dutchman Martin, 27, were the first couple to wed in a landmark "humanist" ceremony.

Until now the non-religious wedding has required a second, civil ceremony to make it legal.

But new laws introduced in Scotland earlier this year mean humanist ceremonies can take place without a minister or civil registrar.

The couple, who wed in Edinburgh Zoo, have been together for six years and met at a salsa class.

Karen, from Co Clare, and Martin sealed their love by exchanging vows written by themselves.

The ceremony was conducted by Ivan Middleton of the Humanist Society of Scotland.

He said: "The couple wrote the ceremony themselves and it was a real celebration of their love."

Humanists believe people get just one life and should try to make it as worthwhile and happy as possible without "supernatural" help.

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