Home and Away star Tessa ties the knot

Her Summer Bay alter ego Nicole was last seen departing the town's sun-kissed shores with Angelo, but off-screen Tessa James has been enjoying a fairytale romance of her own, having recently tied the knot with her rugby star beau Nate Myles.

Wearing a Steven Khalil French lace gown, with a family heirloom brooch in her hair, Tessa wed Nate in front of family and friends at The Gables in Malvern East, Melbourne, on 23 December - and the 20-year-old couldn't be happier.

'My moment of freak-out was when I drove in and saw everybody. But then I saw Nate,' Tessa told Australian magazine New Idea.

'I am so very, very lucky to have Nate in my life. And it was the best day.'

More than 150 guests - including Home and Away stars Esther Anderson (Charlie), Samara Weaving (Indi) and Jodi Gordon (Martha) - joined the happy couple for the reception at Tessa's family home.

Gushing about his new bride, Nate added: 'She looked beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen her look that great. My favourite part would be when her dad lifted the veil off - I was blown away.' Aww!