A COUPLE’S dream wedding day turned into a nightmare when thieves stole a camera containing 400 precious pictures taken of their big day in Florence.

Harry and Natasha Stoneman, both 27, tied the knot in a spectacular castle, Castillo il Palagio, in Florence, Italy, last week alongside 60 guests and their 18-month-old son Jasper.

Harry’s father, Trevor, a professional photographer, took all of the photos of the couple’s big day, but fell foul of thieves.

Trevor, 61, of Feeches Road, Prittlewell, said the camera was taken at a railway station.

He said: “We had a minibus from our accommodation which drove us to Florence station.

“When we got on the train, some people were acting like porters, putting cases on trains and up on to racks.

“My camera was in a black case and a young woman put it on a rack and then wanted payment. Jasper started crying in his pushchair, so I picked him up and took him to my wife at the other end of the carriage.

“I turned back to get my case, but the train had started to pull away from the station and that’s when I saw my bag had gone.”

The devastated dad had to break the news to the rest of the family. He said: “Everyone was good sports about it.

“We reported it to police who said gypsies operated at the station.

“I’m not bothered about the camera. It’s the memory card we want back.”

Natasha who also lives in Feeches Road, said: “It’s awful. I’ve been trying not to think about it. When it happened I didn’t quite believe it.

“I thought the bag had been moved. It’s unbelievable.

“I don’t think we will get them back. They will just take the camera and chuck the card away.”

The couple at least have a few pictures taken by guests, but they are hoping someone will find their treasured pictures of the biggest day in their lives.

Trevor added: “We can’t replace those pictures.

“Natasha was on such a high, she looked wonderful and I got some lovely pictures of her.

“I know she’s my daughterin- law but I can honestly say that in all my years as a photographer I’ve never seen such a beautiful bride.”