Real Life Wedding Love Stories – Julie & Richard’s Brisbane House Coastal Wedding

Introduction

Julie and Richard’s wedding was such a special day on the Ayrshire coast and I really felt privileged to be a part of it. They knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted and we worked together to create a chilled and laid back vibe whilst retaining some elements of tradition. Their ceremony was certainly full of fun, which included an Irish Reading recited by Julie’s brother, traditional vows and a memory candle to remember absent loved ones.

Picking their venue was easy, as they both love Largs, being beside the sea, and breathing in the open air. So, the Brisbane House Hotel was therefore ideal, with its panoramic sea views and proximity to another one of their favourites destinations, Nardinis.

Nardinis is one of Scotland’s most famous cafe, restaurant & ice cream parlours. The Cafe boasts beautiful surroundings and amazing panoramic views of the Clyde which all make it an experience not to be missed. And that is exactly what Julie and Richard done following their very personal and bespoke humanist wedding ceremony.

Julie and Richard enjoyed a well deserved cone after their ceremony

The Love Story

Let me now share with you Julie and Richard’s love story journey directly from the ceremony script.

“Now many of you already know Julie and Richard’s story but some of you may not, so I’d like to share a little of it with you now.

They first met when they were both working in the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld, way back in 2009. Julie was on the banqueting team and Richard worked in the gym. The hotel staff were all young , full of fun and there were lots of nights out. They knew of each other and had met a few times which led to then starting to talk on a night out at that famous night club Papa Docs.

Julie dared Richard to play Spin the Bottle, and of course he said yes, well any excuse to kiss her. Fast forward a few weeks later when they were camping with a group at friends at Loch Lomond. Clearly Inspired by the sunset on the water, Richard then asked Julie out.”

Julie and her bridesmaids enjoy some morning bridal prep fun

The First Date

“They went out on a first date a few weeks later and found they had so much in common. They both enjoyed socialising and partying, they liked the same music and loved being part of the crowd who hung about Papa Docs.

Within a year they had both left the Westerwood and were definitely a couple. Richard had only recently passed his driving test which allowed them to go on lots of long drives and hill walks. On one occasion he drove to Aviemore for a skiing trip but the threat of avalanche meant there was no skiing just lots of drinks at the top of the mountain.

They bought a flat together in Cumbernauld in 2015. It felt like fate when they realised, they could still see the Westerwood from the living room window. Living together was spontaneous and fun, they had lots of holidays and mini breaks visiting Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, York, Edinburgh and London. They even enjoyed long lies, remember them?”

Father of the bride George, safely escorts Julie down the aisle to Richard

Girlfriend, Partner & Fiancée

“As the years went on, they knew that were in this for the long haul, it was never a question of if they would get married only ever a question of when.

Now according to Richard, he ran out of ideas for a Xmas present in 2018, so decided to do something special. Let me explain, Julie had been his girlfriend for years, then he called her his partner but now he thought it was time she became his “fiancee”. His track record on Xmas presents hadn’t been great…one year he only bought Julie an ice crusher so an engagement ring would be a definite upgrade. Now being a big romantic and a traditionalist at heart he shared his plans with Julie’s Dad. Richard’s Dad took him to get the ring and his Mum was in on the secret.

On Xmas Day the couple were with Morag, Graeme and Danielle. Julie was tidying away all the wrapping paper and resigned herself to yet another year with no engagement ring when out of the corner of her eye, she saw Richard acting weird. Call it a hunch or intuition but she just knew that the big moment had arrived. Richard  went down on one knee and popped the question and of course she said YES. Both families were delighted to hear their good news.”

A Wee Addition

“They started planning and their original idea was to go to Portugal and have a look at some wedding venues there. Then Julie found out she was expecting and their plans were put on the back burner. The baby was due on 13^th September. Richard was secretly hoping it would be late so it would have it’s very own anthem……………….September by Earth, Wind and Fire.

Much to Richard’s delight, wee Blair made her entrance exactly eight days late, on, yes you guessed it, the 21^st night of September, just like the song. The hospital staff even played it to welcome her to the ward. Richard and Julie love being parents and Blair has brought so much joy and happiness to both families. They would like to thank both sets of grandparents for all their love and support.

After Blair was born, their minds tuned back to wedding planning but as we all know the pandemic put life on hold. They realised they wouldn’t be getting married anytime soon and set a date for 2022. And here they are today, surrounded by their family and friends, about to take their relationship to the next level and become husband and wife.  Thank you for sharing.”

Secret Reasons

“So, during their time together, I think we can all agree that Julie and Richard have come to understand, respect and love each other dearly. When we met, I asked them to share with me three reasons why they love each other and one wee niggle that drives them nuts, to which they graciously agreed. They don’t know what the other has said, so let me reveal their answers…

Firstly, Julie said I love Richard because he always makes me feel like I can achieve anything in life and makes me want to be the best I can be. Whether it’s work life or home life, he’s always my biggest supporter and pushes me to do my best and not doubt myself. He’s my rock and I know he’s always got my back.

Me and Blair have always been his biggest priority. He works so hard and does everything he can to give us the best possible life. He’s the most selfless man and I’m so excited to continue to grow old and grey with him and to give Blair a lovely upbringing and future alongside him.

Rich never turns down a takeaway, date night, weekend away or adventure. He’s got great taste in food and always lets me share his starters (and MacDonalds even when I say I don’t want one)

But there is one thing that does drive me mad is that Rich fancies himself as one of the world’s most intelligent men. He’s even got a mug that says ‘computer whizz’ on it… yet he still can’t figure out how to work the washing machine? I’ve shown him countless times how to press the ‘on’ button and ‘start’ button… but he still claims to not know how to work it…Computer whizz? I don’t think so.”

“And Richard said, I first fell in love with Julie in the summer of 2009, for her sense of fun, and adventure, her wit and humour, and I quickly learned she was someone I could truly rely and depend on.

As our relationship grew more serious and we made a home together, I loved her drive and ambition and couldn’t be prouder of her achievements.

And in 2019, when we had Blair and became parents, most of all I love Julie for the family life we have together.

But there is one thing that annoys me which funnily enough Julie tried to tell me what I should say here!  She says it should be that she’s always making us leave painfully early for plans we have.  And whilst being 45 minutes early for absolutely everything is very annoying, this is a great example of the real reason…. her incessant micro-managing.  She always tells me she gets that from her father George, and having known them both for 13 years I can confirm the apple doesn’t fall far the tree.”