Royal wedding 'surreal'

As Sam and Lisa Stevenson sat in Westminster Abbey waiting for the royal wedding bells to ring, they leaned back in their chairs and chatted to Victoria and David Beckham.

With Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe to their right and Elton John almost opposite they were slightly starstruck. And that was before film director Guy Ritchie asked to use Sam's cellphone.

"He needed to call his driver," said Sam, a former captain with the New Zealand Defence Force.

His wife Lisa said it was surreal attending the marriage of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"It felt like we were in a dream sitting in Westminster Abbey with Prince Charles," Lisa said.

Sam, who was Prince William's equerry during his visit here in 2005, exchanged sporting banter with David Beckham while waiting for the bride and groom.

"We talked about how New Zealand went at the soccer world cup last year and the Rugby World Cup.

"I said it was well received when David came to New Zealand [with the LA Galaxy] and how he went to the children's hospital before he even went to his hotel."

Before the couple took their seats among some of the world's biggest celebrities they dropped off their wedding gift at Clarence House, the Prince's official residence.

They gave the couple a leatherbound book containing two vouchers to help them experience New Zealand.

One was for a three-night stay at remote Minaret Station in Wanaka. The other was for a day pheasant shooting at Rathmoy reserve in Rangitikei.

"We tried to get experiences they can really enjoy without being swamped by well-wishers and paparazzi," Sam said.

They also gave the couple a piece of New Zealand art by Annie Smits Sandano.

Rathmoy owner Susanna Grace didn't think Will and Kate would use their voucher.

"I honestly don't think he will come. If he does it will be wonderful but I'm not holding my breath," Grace said.

Minaret Station owner Jonathan Wallace wasn't aware of the gift but would welcome the royal couple.