This all started somewhere, how did you get engaged?
It was me that proposed after a day at the rugby. I had planned to do it on Valentine’s day the week before, but the setting just wasn’t right, and me being me, I couldn’t wait for the leap year day the week after.
It suited us, and a few weeks later, Stu surprised me when he presented me with a beautiful engagement ring in a lovely wine bar in Perth
Where did you have your wedding celebrations
The beautiful New Lanark Mills in South Lanarkshire in Scotland.
Was there anything in particular that made you chose your venue?
We were looking for a venue that could accommodate all of our guests as most were travelling a distance and needed to stay at least one night and we wanted everyone to stay in the same place. We wanted somewhere picturesque and that had an intimate feel to it.
Plus, because I am a Humanist Celebrant, I wanted to get married at a venue that I hadn’t conducted a ceremony at, although I have been honored to have conducted ceremonies at some amazing places and venues that Scotland has to offer.
Who did you have supporting team Morag & team Stuart then?
The wedding party consisted of my Sister and my three best friends. We had three of Stuart’s best friends as best man and ushers. My Dad is no longer with us, so my Mum was proud as punch to escort me down the aisle.
Why a Humanist Ceremony?
We wouldn’t have had any other ceremony as we both live by the ethics of the Humanist code. As a celebrant myself, we knew what we could do and just how personal and reflective of us the ceremony was going to be, plus having Anne, doing the ceremony really made it special. We included two readings, one by Victoria and one by Gayle, Stuart’s Sister. We also included the hand fasting and even had a go at writing our own vows which fitted into the ceremony perfectly.
What made your wedding unique to you?
Within reason, we were able to have the wedding we wanted. Laid back and relaxed. We both are great lovers of music, so that was an important to incorporate this. We had a Pianist play from the start of the ceremony until the end of dinner, this meant we could have our taste in music played, but by having it on the piano, there was no chance of offending anyone. Having a live band was really important, and had everyone up dancing all night.
Your Wedding – Sum it up for me.
It was THE perfect day for us. We had a wedding that reflected who we are and how we wanted to celebrate the commitment we were making to each other, whilst at the same time ensuring that everyone felt involved in the day’s celebrations. A combination of an excellent venue, fantastic food & wine and good company made it the perfect day for us to cherish for always.
What one piece of advice would you give to others planning their wedding?
Take your time and plan well and don’t leave anything to the last minute. There were quite a few frustrations and stressful moments along the way, and it could have been more streamline, but there were no tools out there that could help make it easier.
Who were your superstar suppliers?
We were so lucky to have so much help from the family.
My aunt Susan created the pretty awesome Lego cake and a cousin provided the photography. The ceremony was conducted by Anne Widdop from Fuze Ceremonies
The venue was New Lanark Mills Hotel. Azure provided the chair covers & sashes, Piping services Scotland the Piper, Alex Graham on piano, Unique thistles the flowers, Madison the band, Laura Courtie of Hollywood hair did all the hair and make up, Kiltpin the kilts and Berketex the dress. I got the bridesmaid dresses from Matalan as they were the perfect colour and hopefully the girls will wear them again as the simple accessories I added can be removed.
We got our favours from Cancer Research and they were pins (we decided to make a donation to them, as both families have been affected by cancer in recent years) and picked up a lot of other bits and pieces from stores on ebay.
