Monique and Chris just can’t contain their excitement as they walk back up the aisle as newlyweds
By Neil McKenzie, Fuze Celebrant
It was my absolutely pleasure to conduct the humanist wedding ceremony of Monique and Chris at the stunning voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on the 4th of June 2022. This Grade-II listed iconic Glasgow landmark is blessed with Georgian architecture and Art Deco interiors that all come together to create the most grand of wedding atmospheres. It has been lovingly restored to its original features that invite an impressive setting. Chris and Monique were immediately drawn to its beauty along with the advantage of being strategically placed at Glasgow Central Station, meaning an easy wedding commute for their near and far travelled guests.
Their ceremony took place in The Grand Room of Glasgow setting and simply blew everyone away with its high ceilings, streaming natural light and centerpiece fireplace.
Proceedings started with some guest participation as Monique and Chris chose the symbolic gesture of a guests ‘Well Wishing’ to start proceedings off. I asked their 180 guests an important question; “Are you happy for Chris and Monique to be married today and do you wish them happiness and joy in their married lives together?” – the collective answer was of course “WE ARE”, followed by the biggest cheer that voco Grand Central has ever heard.
The wedding parties get all set before getting on stage at Grand Central
Shona Ferguson, Cluster Meetings & Events, Groups and Reservations Manager at voco Grand Central told us: “It was a pleasure to be part of Monique and Chris’s wedding day at voco Grand Central, it was a joy to coordinate. They are a lovely couple and I had such fun planning their special day with them. On the day itself, the team and I were on hand to make sure their day ran without a hitch.
The team really enjoyed seeing Monique and Chris’s personalities shine through on the day. Amazing personalised touches for family and friends such as a hot sauce table; a Jamaican inspired menu which our fabulous kitchen team prepared; and a rum punch for their drinks reception. It was wonderful to see it all come together after a year of planning.
We also enjoyed working alongside Neil from Fuze Ceremonies. He told their story to perfection and you can tell he really loves what he does. Humanist weddings are so popular these days and here at voco Grand Central we are delighted to partner with and recommend Fuze Ceremonies.”
Get in touch with Shona and the team HERE
The Love Story
You only have to see Chris and Monique together to see the easy bond, the unity, but also the humour and fun, that is so obvious between them. They’re best friends, who instinctively know they will be there for each other, to help, look after and support each other, sharing their ups and downs. This friendship, love and companionship – this balance – is what will see them through the rest of their lives together.
Here’s Monique and Chris’s love story journey taken direct from their wedding day ceremony script.
First encounter
“Of course, you know this couple well, but you may or may not know some of their story. I would like to give you a little flavour of the journey that Chris and Monique have made together to get them here today. So let me take you back to four years ago. Chris and Monique had arranged to meet at Northcote Records Bar in London for a 1st date. As Chris was soon to get accustomed to, Monique was late….30 minutes late!
In addition to being late, Monique also came to the date with a Plan B if the date was wasn’t going so well! She needn’t have worried! They immediately struck up a connection and talked effortlessly for 5 hours. It went so well that Monique even took Chris to the Plan B option – a friend’s party!”
Monique’s mum proudly walks her down the aisle to Chris
As Seen On
Monique and Chris’s wedding is also featured on the Your Scottish Wedding website and in print in their January 2023 magazine. Subscribe HERE
Click HERE to see the full feature.
Late Again
“So after a successful first date, a second date was quickly organized. For that date, Monique was 45 minutes late! Before long as things were going well, Chris wanted to take Monique overseas for a break. Monique wasn’t quite ready for that so they settled for a stay-cation in York! They had a great time, although unbeknownst to Chris, it is actually legal to shoot a Scotsman in York with an arrow (unless it is a Sunday). Grateful that he survived his weekend in York, upon their return Chris duly asked Monique to move in with him. Monique was delighted to accept. Although Chris lived in Richmond – several zones away and her commutes to work were extended, she loved the house and the fact Chris loved to cook, swung the deal!”
Glasgow Life!
“As they settled into their relationship, a series of trips were organised. Greece, Columbia, Italy and Barbados! Monique also got her first taste of Glasgow! To say she was cold would be an understatement. However, she did find a new delicacy in tattie scones, with extra butter!
It wasn’t just the tattie scones that persuaded Monique to move to Glasgow. Chris had an eye in moving on from London. Monique held similar views and Glasgow ticked many boxes. It wasn’t far from Monique’s mum in Isle of Man and her family in London, there were reasonable houses prices and a good quality of life so they settled for the Partick Riviera!
As you know Monique’s personality and approach to life, she has settled into Glasgow fantastically well. Her friendly nature has seen her make many friends in a short period of time. Together, Chris and Monique love socializing, going to the pub, walks in the great outdoors and of course travelling.”
Bridesman Rory recited a perfect poem for the happy couple
Here’s to Right Now by Ms Moem
You’re surrounded by your loved ones
And all are wishing you well,
As you create a brand new chapter
In the story that’s yours to tell.
We talk about the memories
You have yet to make together
And the moments you’ve already shared
To be carried with you forever.
But take the time to live today
As your marriage begins,
Look around and soak it up;
the moment we are in.
For this is where the magic starts
When you both say your vows.
You pledge to spend your lives as one
Because of the love you feel now.
So yes, here’s to a future
that is bright and warm and clear.
But more than that, here’s to right now
And what it means to be here.…
The Proposal
“Yes, they also have some differences but this only seems to strengthen their relationship further. Chris loves cooking and Monique loves eating! Monique is a stickler for a clean house, and always remembers birthdays. And of course, Monique does have a habit of turning up late while Chris likes to be on time! So I mentioned earlier of Chris and Monique’s love of travelling. And it was in Bologna, that Chris romantically proposed to Monique. Monique lived in Bologna for 2 years and it has held a special place in Monique’s heart ever since.
As a result, Chris organised a birthday trip to Bologna for Monique. One day, Chris took Monique out for a walk up a hill just outside the city. At the top, they had breathtaking views of the city and the countryside. A perfect spot to get down on one knee and propose. Monique was certainly not expecting it and couldn’t breathe for tears as she excitedly accepted! A celebratory toast followed with their Italian friends. Bologna certainly captured the heart of Chris as he organized his stag do there!”
One of Chris’s Best Men Colin, performed a Scottish Hand Fasting symbolic gesture during the ceremony
Chris’s other Best Man Derek comes forward with the all important rings
“As Chris and Monique completed their legal paperwork alongside witnesses – Colin, the best man and Monique’s aunt Belinda – Monique’s very talented brother Ryan, entertained everyone with a violin solo while the signing took place.”
“Chris and Monique have created such a loving story so far and have achieved so much together. They look forward to spending time with their respective family and friends and planning more exciting trips and adventures as they continue to share one future as the new Mr and Mrs Hart.”
The city of Glasgow offers many stunning backdrops for wedding photography
The voco Grand Central team seamlessly turned the room around from the ceremony setting to the evening reception
The who’s who of Monique and Chris’s Wedding:
Celebrant – Neil McKenzie, Fuze Ceremonies
Venue – voco Grand Central Glasgow
Photo & Video – Weddings by AR
Dress – Aimee Bridal Couture
Brides Makeup – Amabeautye
Brides Hair – Beauty Splendour
Kilts and Trews – House of Henderson
Your Scottish Wedding
Our friends at Your Scottish Wedding will also be featuring Monique and Chris’s wedding both in print and online.
We’ll keep you posted when everything is ready to view.
Add our smiles to yours
No two couples are the same so no two ceremonies should be the same. At Fuze we work alongside our couples to make their humanist wedding ceremony script is unique, personal and bespoke. It’s your day your way with us, so let us add our smiles to yours. To check Neil and all of our amazing celebrant’s live availability for your special date click here!
Neil McKenzie,
Celebrant at Fuze Ceremonies
