Bride whose simulated sex act photo in front of Rhodes chapel could cause wedding ban is ‘mortified’

Carly and Mathew Lunn could face legal action if ban on foreigners getting married is upheld

White houses in the town of Lindos, near the chapel of St Paul's, Rhodes (Rex Features)

The bride who was pictured simulating a sex act on her new husband after their wedding in Rhodes, is reportedly "mortified" at the response and feels their big day has been ruined.

After the image of Carly and Matthew Lunn went viral, one of the Mediterranean island's most senior bishop's called for a ban on all foreigners getting married at its picturesque St Paul’s chapel.

It meant that hundreds of couples would potentially have to source an alternative venue for their big day.

Initially Ms Lunn described the picture, which she and her husband had agreed to do as a joke, as "brilliant".

“We expected a lot of laughs and jokes from people, but didn’t expect it to be as popular as it was," the 34-year-old told The Sun. "People back in England were commenting on it, the whole thing went mad.”

But after the Bishop Kyrillos of Rhodes call to ban foreigners, the couple were left facing potential legal action from other couples. Others criticised the couple for the picture on social media.

As a result, Ms Lunn is now said to be regretting having it taken.

“She is absolutely mortified,” a friend told Mail Online, adding that it had ruined what was supposed to be the best day of her life.

Community leader Giorgos Eleftheriou told The Times: “I have hundreds of soon-to-be-brides from Britain and all over the world calling me today in tears because of this decision.”

One couple from Rotherham, who have been planning their wedding at the chapel for two-and-a-half years, said they were speaking to a solicitor to see if they can take any legal action against them.

The mayor of Rhodes is reportedly due to make a final decision on the matter in the coming weeks.