A GAY Derby couple will today become the first in the city to marry, an event they never thought would happen in "a million years".
Jo Cooper and Franca Campagna, of Chaddesden, had already sent out invitations to a civil-partnership before changing their minds when same-sex marriage became legal.
And the couple now have two days of celebrations lined up.
Jo said: "We had a civil partnership planned and were looking forward to that but, then when the bill came through, we said let's hang fire and have a marriage.
"I feel very chuffed that we are the first gay couple in Derby to get married. It's something that makes us very proud.
"It's a very scary thought, but at the same time it's very exciting.
"It's definitely going to the best day of our lives."
Same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales at midnight on Saturday, March 29.
Rams fans Jo and Franca officially tie the knot today at Derby register office in the Market Place. On Sunday, they have organised a blessing for friends and family at Risley Hall.
The pair, both support workers at Derby College, started dating in 2008 after knowing each other for many years.
Franca said: "Jo is very caring and funny. We are both very similar in ourselves and do a lot of random things that we both understand. We started as friends and things just slowly clicked and happened.
"I've had to do most of the organising of the day, although Jo has helped a bit, but I'm just pleased I can have two dresses.
"Not many people have two wedding days, usually I think it's only for celebrities.
"I never thought we would ever get married when we were first dating because I didn't think things would change so much.
"It's great they have though and the media and television programmes like Coronation Street, who have had a same-sex couple story line, have done a really good job."
Jo and Franca have kept with tradition and spent last night separated from each other to avoid any bad luck.
Jo is staying with her grandmother and Franca will be staying at home.
Jo said: "We did want to keep with the tradition and don't want any bad luck.
"I feel OK at the minute but I'm sure I will start to feel sick with nerves as we get closer.
""It's an excited, panicky feeling."
Franca said she felt positive with having the support of friends, family and the whole of Derby for the big day.
And she said she hoped attitudes towards gay people in the football community would change.
She said: "Derby County have done work to prevent homophobia but I wish others would have the same attitudes. It's very immature and people need to rise above it."
The leader of Derby City Council, Councillor Paul Bayliss, will be attending the ceremony today and will give the couple a gift.
He will be joined by Ann Webster, who is the council's lead on equality and diversity.
Mr Bayliss wished the couple all the best.
He said: "We are very much looking forward to this momentous event for Derby.
"I would like to wish Joanna and Franca a very happy life together as wife and wife."
