AFTER a whirlwind romance this couple were looking forward to a dream honeymoon in the Caribbean which was shattered after a mix up with visas.

It was love at first sight when Darren Mendoza-Thomas, 29, a security officer at Heathrow Airport set eyes on Russian air hostess Anastacia, 24 in 2008. After proposing at a restaurant in the summer, the happy couple were looking forward to two weeks in paradise in the Dominican Republic.

They booked to fly via New York at First Choice, in the Westway Cross shopping centre, Greenford Road, but the travel agent did not tell them about visas.

A few days later they realised they needed a visa for the US and rushed to get one, which Mrs Mendoza-Thomas was declined - days before the wedding.

Mr Mendoza-Thomas, of Haydock Avenue, Northolt, was furious he had to fork out £2,000 on the non-refundable tickets.

He said: "Because we wanted to go for 10 days the travel agent had to make us a package and told us we needed to fly via New York instead.

"We weren't told anything about transfer visas. But she had my missus' passport in her hand, she knew she was Russian.

"The regional manager said they're not responsible for visas. I understand that to a degree, but when you've shown me another route they should tell us what we need to do.”

He added: “She said it's not her fault that my wife is from Russia. It's racial discrimination, it's not a nice thing to say. Anastacia's been distraught."

First Choice offered the couple a cash refund for the hotel but could not refund the cost of the flights which were booked through American Airlines.

A spokeswoman said: "As explained in our terms and conditions, it is the responsibility of the customer to organise the validity of their passports and Visas before booking or travelling.

"They did not try to obtain a visa to the US before booking their holiday. Unfortunately, the American Embassy refused a visa for Mrs Mendoza-Thomas and this is something out of First Choice’s control."

Despite the stress beforehand, the happy couple have just returned from Tunisia after booking a last minute deal a few days before their wedding two weeks ago.