It’s getting to that time of the year when we can start thinking about heading outdoors for a ceremony. Just one of my many many favourites from last year was t the wonderful Altskeith Country House Hotel on Loch Ard. It’s just a few miles from Aberfoyle and is located in the Queen Elizabeth Forest. It really is a wonderful venue where although you feel a million miles from the hub bub of a big city, it’s a venue that can be easily reached by your guests.
My Bride and Groom really wanted to get married outside and the afternoon’s weather in early June did not disappoint in the slightest. It was a glorious afternoon and when I arrived all the seats were set out under the trees proving the perfect setting for the ceremony.
The bride and her bridal party were piped from the house and into the gardens where she joined the Groom in front of the guests as we started the ceremony.
As they had two children, they wanted the ceremony to not only celebrate their marriage, but also their family. We planned the ceremony so that it included all the elements they wanted and really did celebrate their wee family too.
I told the story of their journey so far, they gave me three secret reasons each as to why they loved each other, I don’t think their was a dry eye in the house (well garden), and they incorporated a handfasting to signify their joining together in marriage.
They also chose to celebrate their extended families by asking their Mum’s to be their legal witnesses which was a very fitting thank you to everything their parents have done for them, as well as the support the unconditional love they have always given them.
The personal vows were special too as they had chosen to not reveal them to each other until they were saying them in the ceremony, and again it was hankies at the ready.
After the signing of the schedule, the couple had chosen to close the ceremony with a really fitting poem:
I’M SO LUCKY TO HAVE FOUND YOU
Once in a lifetime, you find someone who touches not only your heart, but also your soul.
Once in a lifetime, you discover someone who stands beside you, not over you.
Once in a lifetime, you find someone who loves you for who you are and not who you could be.
Once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky, you find someone as I have found you
After that, it was time to introduce the new Mr & Mrs and send them back up the aisle to enjoy the rest of their special day.
You can see more pictures of this wonderful day here – http://bit.ly/2nEU9Af
