Birmingham ARTICLES

Dreamland wedding for UFO spotter

19th January 2010

A Birmingham UFO researcher is set to marry his fiancé on the outskirts of the American military base, Area 51. David Hodrien, 32, will tie the knot with Katie Francis, 31, in the Nevada desert, a few miles from the top-secret site.

UFO buffs have long believed that Area 51, also known as Dreamland, houses recovered alien spacecraft.

The couple will wed at the Black Mailbox, the closest public access point to the heavily guarded base.

"It was Katie's idea," said David, Chairman of the Birmingham UFO Group known as BUFOG .

"She came across a package deal that allows couples to marry in the Nevada desert, close to Area 51.

"We thought it would be a fantastic idea. I've had a huge interest in UFOs for years and I've always wanted to visit Area 51.

"Kate's always been the sceptic about UFOs but after four years of being with me she's starting to come round. "

Swansea-born Katie, who runs a corset shop in Birmingham, said:

"It was pure coincidence. We were planning a wedding for next October but when I found this I knew we had to do it.

"We're really excited. My mum thought it was fantastic but Dave's mum was not impressed at all. I think she's coming round now though. "

Invites for the February wedding are based on the poster for the 1956 movie Earth vs the Flying Saucers, and can be seen on Katie's online blog .

Watch the skies

The ceremony will take place in February and the newlyweds will then take part in a skywatch on the perimeter of Area 51, spend some time in Las Vegas and attend a UFO conference.

Whilst Katie's parents will make the trip, the couple will be holding a more down-to-earth wedding party for other friends and family in Solihull when they return.

And what will the bride be wearing in the arid conditions of a Nevada desert?

"I'm going very 50s," said Katie. "I've found a blue silk 50s dress. It's very B movie!"

Source: BBC