Love is in the air in the benefice of Tenby!

Rector Canon Andrew Davies and Curate Rev. Alex Grace have announced their happy engagement.

In an email to their parishioners, the couple said: "It is with great pleasure that we write to let you know that we are engaged to be married!

"Many of you will know that as soon as we began ministering together in this benefice, we quickly developed a very close working relationship and friendship, and for some time now it has been clear to both of us that we wish to be married."

They continued: "If this news comes as a surprise, then it is simply because during this last year we have made every effort to be extremely discreet and private about our close personal relationship. But as time has gone by the secrecy has become difficult, and more recently it has even felt that we were being deceitful to you, our friends. Now we are so pleased - and relieved - that at last we are able to share this with you."

Priests cannot just get married - permission has to be sought from the Bishop, and their situation had to appear before the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales last week, who immediately gave their 'dispensation' wholeheartedly.

On Monday morning, Bishop Wyn gave them his permission to make the announcement.

The couple added: "We are very grateful to our families for all their support, and also to our dear colleague Robb. And we are delighted to be able to share our news with you at last. When the day comes - and we are thinking of June - we want very much to include our whole benefice church family in this. After all, you are the reason and context in which we met in the first place, and you, our church family, are very dear to us both."

When the Observer met with the couple on Wednesday, they confirmed their happy day would be Saturday, June 7.

"St. Mary's and the whole parish have embraced the news and given us their wholehearted support," said Rev. Davies.

"Our first official duty together since our announcement was Tuesday's Mothers' Union meeting where Alex was presented with a wonderful bouquet of flowers and all the ladies offered their congratulations."

Meanwhile, Rev. Grace - who came to Tenby in 2012 - was overwhelmed with congratulations when she attended assembly at Tenby Infants School on Wednesday.

"There were lots lots of excited faces and hugs galore," said Rev. Grace, who will be given away by her two daughters, 13-year-old Elizabeth and Hannah, 10.

"They have already chosen their dresses and accessories and are very excited about the wedding."