One of the wonderful things about being a Humanist celebrant is having the opportunity to experience so many weddings in so many incredible locations. Every once in a while, it also gives me the chance to let someone else share in the joy that I am privileged to experience regularly.
In June, my good friend Kaori travelled from Japan to Scotland to attend a university seminar. She had several free days to explore Glasgow and some of the surrounding area, but it struck me that I was due to conduct Georgia and David’s wedding at the magnificent Òran Mór while she was here.
I wondered whether this might be a wonderful opportunity for Kaori to experience her very first Scottish wedding.
Of course, I first asked Georgia and David for their permission. They were completely happy with the idea and even remarked that they were surprised I felt I needed to ask, although they appreciated that I had done so.
In another lovely coincidence, my good friend and newly qualified Fuze Celebrant Eric was also attending to observe Georgia and David’s ceremony ahead of conducting his first wedding a few weeks later.
A Warm Welcome at Òran Mór
On the morning of the wedding, I collected Kaori from her hotel and we made our way to Òran Mór.
As soon as we arrived, she was amazed by the venue’s architecture. She was particularly struck by the colourful artwork, the stained-glass windows and the incredible painted ceiling.
I introduced Kaori to Eric, and they settled into the upper gallery, where they had a fantastic view of the ceremony.
One especially memorable thing about the day was the heat. Òran Mór was like an oven! Even the other wedding suppliers agreed that they had never experienced the venue being quite so warm.
What made this even more remarkable was that Georgia and David had thoughtfully provided their guests with Japanese-style fans. I cannot remember the last time I saw fans placed on every seat at a wedding, yet on the very day I had brought my Japanese friend along, there they were!
As someone visiting from Japan, Kaori was particularly delighted by this unexpected detail.
A Ceremony Filled With Scottish Traditions
Soon, Georgia and her bridesmaids arrived, and the beautiful ceremony began with Georgia walking down the aisle to a hauntingly beautiful song by Lana Del Rey.
The ceremony included a traditional handfasting, followed by a drink from the quaich. Georgia and David also shared their five reasons for loving one another, and I had the privilege of telling their unique love story.
Kaori was especially impressed by the sight of so many of the men wearing kilts. For her, this truly cemented the feeling that she was experiencing an authentic Scottish wedding celebration.
From the moment she arrived, she was captivated by the warmth and atmosphere of the day. Although the venue itself was spectacular, it was the uniquely Scottish elements of the ceremony that made the greatest impression.
Watching the ceremony through the eyes of someone discovering these traditions for the first time reminded me just how special Scottish weddings truly are. Customs that may feel familiar to us became something extraordinary when viewed from a different cultural perspective.
It was a privilege to share this celebration of love, heritage and hospitality with Kaori, and I am incredibly grateful to Georgia and David for welcoming her so warmly.
Their kindness gave her a memory of Scotland that I know she will treasure for many years to come, if not forever.
Kaori’s Experience
Kaori kindly shared her own thoughts about the day:
I had the privilege of watching a wedding at this beautiful venue, thanks to the kindness of the bride and groom and the celebrant, Douglas Gilgallon.
One of Douglas’s friends, who was due to conduct his first ceremony as a celebrant a few weeks later, watched beside me. He explained some of the Scottish customs and traditions, which helped me to understand the ceremony better.
The venue felt both traditional and modern. The high ceiling, stone arches and stained-glass windows reflected its history, while the colourful decorations and painted artwork gave it a modern and personal feeling.
I also enjoyed seeing the traditional Scottish kilts and the many thoughtful details chosen by the couple. For example, a fan had been placed on every chair. It was a very warm day, so it was extremely useful. As someone visiting from Japan, I was especially happy to see this unexpected detail.
Some parts of the ceremony felt universal, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the couple and this important moment in their lives. At the same time, I was interested in the cultural differences.
One example was the formal signing of the marriage documents during the ceremony, which I was told had to be completed using a fountain pen.
I was very grateful that the couple allowed me to watch such a special occasion from the balcony.
Thank you!
Kaori
About the Author
Douglas Gilgallon is a Fuze Humanist Celebrant based in Glasgow, conducting weddings, civil partnerships, vow renewals, baby namings and funeral ceremonies across Scotland.
Following a long career in social work, Douglas brings warmth, empathy and compassion to every ceremony he creates. A natural storyteller with a lifelong passion for people, he loves helping couples and families capture the experiences, personalities and relationships that make their stories unique.
Away from ceremonies, Douglas enjoys climbing Scotland’s Munros, playing guitar and spending time with his wife Pauline, their three daughters and their three rescue dogs.
Find out more about Douglas and enquire about booking him as your celebrant.
