Wedding photographer Tim Ledbetter is waving goodbye to Bradford's frosty mornings for a sun-kissed ceremony in Sri Lanka.

Tim, 27, from Menston, has been picked by Wetherby couple Christopher Fairley and Lia Martinucci to act as their photographer when they tie the knot in a traditional Buddhist ceremony this week.

"It's a bit of a shock," Tim admitted. "It's all come about very quickly, but I'm looking forward to it.

"The couple saw my work at a wedding fair in Harrogate last September and said they wanted me to do their wedding - but I was a bit surprised when I found out it was in Sri Lanka.

"I've only been running my own business for a year so it's a bit of a coup."

The couple will be reaffirming their wedding vows in front of a film crew for Richard and Judy's This Morning programme which is making a Valentine's Day special.

So instead of battling with the elements in Yorkshire, Tim will be facing new challenges this week including riding elephants and taking pictures of ancient Sri Lankan temples.

Tim, who flew to the island off the east coast of India yesterday, said: "I've never done a wedding abroad before.

"It's going to make a change from taking pictures in the pouring rain. And it's an all-expenses-paid trip so it's a perfect job."

"I'm most looking forward to seeing the elephants - they should be really exciting to photograph.

"The colours will be really vibrant and the light will be a photographer's dream."

Bride-to be Lia said she was looking forward to her big day on Thursday when she will be married by monks.

"I've always wanted to go and visit some exotic place like India or Sri Lanka so it should be a fantastic experience to renew our wedding vows there," she said.

"We picked Tim because we really liked his work."

The wedding party's hectic itinerary begins today when Lia goes shopping for her traditional Sari wedding costume and jewellery.

The group will move on to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage and watch a Sri Lankan dance performance.