Although pint-sized in comparison with her 6ft 2in fiancé, Zara Phillips proved she's more than a match for her rugby player love.In a touching display of intimacy and fun the champion eventer attempted to lift 16-stone Mike off the ground at a recent horse trial in Hampshire where she was competing.
In a show of strength, Zara managed to hoist Mike several inches off the ground before he affectionately bundled her up in his arms.
Their light-hearted gestures were further proof of their down-to-earth relationship which will see them marrying in a very low-key church setting in Edinburgh.
Buckingham Palace announced that the couple are to marry on July 30 at Canongate Kirk - a white-walled parish that will cost them £300 to rent out for the day.
The intimate wedding will be worlds apart from that of Zara's cousin Prince William - taking place in Westminster Abbey in April.The venue was originally booked for another couple but they agreed to move their nuptials so that the royal pair could marry there.
Edinburgh-based graphic designer Cherith Harrison said: "We received a phone call from the minister who'd asked would it be possible for us to consider moving to another venue as Zara and Mike were keen to get married there. "She added: "There was no money, cash incentive or anything like that. Out of goodwill, we were just happy to move for them."