FRIDAY the 13th is probably a day most people would want to avoid if they were planning to get hitched.

But for bride-to-be Roshelle Rayfield, today is set to be just one of many memorable Friday the 13ths.

Miss Rayfield has chosen the day many regard as the unluckiest of them all to tie the knot with Stuart Walford.

The couple, who will marry at 1pm at SS Peter and Paul Church, Long Hanborough, deliberately chose the date after a series of happy events on the 13th.

Miss Rayfield, 32, said: “Thirteen has always been lucky for us, it has just always been one of those days.”

Miss Rayfield was born on Friday, October 13, 1978, and two years later brother Damien was born on the same day.

Mr Walford and Miss Rayfield got together during a work Christmas party on December 13, 2003, while Mr Walford, 33, worked as a motor vehicle technician and Miss Rayfield was an administrator at the North Oxford Garage, at the Wolvercote roundabout.

The couple’s son Gabriel was christened on September 13, 2009, at the church where they are getting married.

Miss Rayfield, who lives in Bicester, said: “We have had a few raised eyebrows when we told people we were getting married on Friday the 13th.

“Some people thought it was a bit of a joke or we had booked it by mistake.

“I just want to turn it on its head – good things can happen on Friday the 13th.

“My mum has always said that she could not wish for a luckier day and with my brother being born on the 13th as well, I think that’s really good timing.

“People find it a bit weird as you don’t often find siblings sharing the same birthday but that has always been good fun.”

Miss Rayfield’s parents, Elaine, 54, and Stan, 64, married at the Long Hanborough church 35 years ago, as did Damien last October – but neither on a 13th.

Mum Mrs Rayfield, of Riely Close, Long Hanborough, said: “Friday the 13th has always been a date that we have never shied away from.Roshelle has always wanted to get married on Friday the 13th.

“I think it will be a lucky day for Roshelle.

She added: “When Roshelle was born on the 13th, I thought this has got to be the luckiest girl ever and then for her birthday she got a baby brother.”

The new Mr and Mrs Walford will hold their wedding reception at the Barcelo Hotel, North Oxford, before spending a few days on honeymoon in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Friday the 13th became shrouded in superstition as Friday was the day Jesus was crucified on the cross.

Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th apostle. It was also the number of people present at the Last Supper.

Some theologians believe Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden fruit on a Friday, and the Great Flood began on a Friday.

In Christian legend, 13 signifies the devil meeting with a coven of 12 witches.

Friday was the day for public hangings, and there were supposedly 13 steps leading up to the noose.

Friday the 13th can occur between one and three times a year. This year there is just one.

The fear of Friday the 13th is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia.

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