Rev Simon Harvey and new wife Jo on their wedding day at St Mary’s Church, which was open to anyone to attend. PHOTOS: RODYCLOUD PHOTOGRAPHY

A VICAR has spoken of his joy after finding love again following the ­tragic death of his wife last year.

Simon Harvey, vicar of St Mary’s, wed new wife Jo at the church in Upper Street on Saturday in a service attended by hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers.

“We wanted to make it big but keep it simple. Anyone could come, it was very joyous, a lovely celebration,” Rev Harvey, 54, said of the service, which was led by Rev Alexandra Lilley of St George & All Saints Church in Tufnell Park.

He added: “It’s been a lovely journey [with Jo]. Falling in love again feels amazing and feels just like it does when you’re a teenager. We’re looking forward to life going in a new direction together.”

Rev Harvey’s late wife Jennifer, his childhood sweetheart since they met at secondary school in Wolverhampton, died in March last year following a short illness aged 52. The couple, who were married for almost 30 years, have two grown-up sons.

The couple celebrate their nuptials in Upper Street after the ceremony

Rev Harvey’s tragedy was compounded by a burglary two months later in which precious jewellery belonging to Jennifer was stolen, including all the rings he had ever given her.

However, a year later, Rev Harvey, 54, proposed to Jo, 47, after meeting her under the Christmas lights in the West End months earlier.

He said: “I think actually [living with grief], it’s different to different people, but I would say [to others in a similar situation]: When you think it’s the right time, it’s the right time for you.

“I had an amazing marriage to Jennifer and that gives me confidence to have another amazing marriage to Jo. I’ve had the privilege of meeting these two wonderful, amazing women.”

Rev Harvey and new wife Jo are all smiles in church

He added: “I really felt it was right, we’ve got all sorts of things to look forward to in a life-long marriage.”

Ms Harvey (née Pestell), a children’s nanny from south London but a New Zealander by birth, moved into St Mary’s vicarage on the day of the wedding and said she was “ecstatic” to get to know the borough and parish life.

The couple will go on Honeymoon today (Friday) to the Italian city of Genoa for a week.

Rev Harvey said: “We’re only going for a week because the parish is a busy place. Jo is learning the way around Islington streets. The St Mary’s community has been incredibly welcoming and we’re looking forward to life in the vicarage together.”