Monday, 5 February 2018

Lottie and Gil's Wedding at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

 

Lottie and Gil value the things in life that no money can buy - family, friends and time. They wanted a wedding that maximised the time they spent with the people they love, for the day to flow and be relaxed and enjoyable for everyone. And it certainly was!

They come from very different backgrounds but they share the same values and same dark sense of humour. They both have always thought for themselves and not just followed the crowds, which is probably why they both went into science!

Indeed, science featured in both of their chosen readings. The first, read by Lottie’s oldest friend Helen was by one of Lottie’s favourite authors, Isaac Asimov and is his response to a sickly sweet song but it beautifully sums up Lottie and Gil’s view of the world.

Tell me why the stars do shine,
Tell me why the ivy twines,
Tell me what makes skies so blue,
And I'll tell you why I love you.

Nuclear fusion makes stars to shine,
Tropisms make the ivy twine,
Raleigh scattering make skies so blue,
Testicular hormones are why I love you.

Their second reading, performed by Groomsman Matt was taken from the song “Finite Simple Group” by The Klein Four which was chosen because it represents love through the medium of maths - which is similar to how Gil and Lottie approach love and each other! 

Lottie and Gil wrote their own unique and meaningful vows, which went down well with the assembled guests as they tried to work out all the references!

Lottie: I, Lottie
Gil: And I, Gil
Both: vow to be excellent to each other
Lottie: to travel through time and space with you
Gil: and to grow old disgracefully together
Lottie: I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.
Gil: In times of trouble I’ll start by turning it off and on again.
Lottie: Don’t panic.
Gil: As what defines us is how well we rise after falling.
Lottie: Where we’re going we don’t need roads, as our future hasn’t been written yet.
Gil: Life’s a game and we all play our parts
Lottie: For better, for worse.
Gil: For richer, for poorer.
Lottie: but NOT to obey you, of course, because that’s anachronistic and misogynistic and who do you think you are, like a sea captain or something?
Gil: As weddings are basically funerals with cake
Lottie: so long as it’s not some farcical aquatic ceremony.
Gil: I am Groot.
Lottie: You’ll do
Gil: Also yes.
Both: So say we all

As Gil is from a Jewish family, the ceremony ended with the Jewish ritual breaking of glass. In the Jewish tradition, no wedding would be complete until the glass has broken!


There were so many personal touches that made the occasion extra special including handmade bouquets, buttonholes and bunting and 1000 paper cranes all made by Lottie!



Lottie and Gil even made their own wedding rings - a wonderful way to symbolise their commitment as the rings they exchanged on their wedding day were made by their own hands, a reminder that their marriage is within their own hands and only they can make it work.

Such a fantastic wedding - thanks to Lottie and Gil for asking me to be part of it!



Monday, 27 June 2016

Peter and Erica's Wedding at Harvest Moon, Tyninghame


Peter and Erica got engaged at the highest point in East Lothian, Meikle Says Law. So it was fitting that they chose the stunning Harvest Moon Beach in Tyninghame as the location for their wedding. 



They often walk along the beautiful beaches of East Lothian close to their house and the opportunity to get married there was too good to miss. Also, that everyone could stay on-site in the glamping facilities was an added bonus!




Peter and Erica chose some wonderful poetry which added depth and meaning to their ceremony and conveyed their thoughts about love and marriage. Guests also read lovely poems from Northumberland and Canada, the couple's original homes.

A first for me in a wedding ceremony was the inclusion of a quote from a scientific study about the benefits of marriage for happiness, health and longer life. Just goes to show that science has an important place, even at weddings!




Thank you, Peter and Erica for sharing your beautiful photos by GWS Photography.



"Fiona, thank you so much for such a fabulous ceremony, it was perfect! We got lots of great feedback from our guests. Some people even thought we were good friends, it was so personal."

Friday, 22 April 2016

Deborah and Steve's Wedding at the Secret Herb Garden



Nestled at the foot of the Pentland hills, the Secret Herb Garden is a truly special place, especially if you like herbs, good food, and all things vintage. The perfect venue for Deborah and Steve's wedding!

This venue was featured recently on The Wedding Collective blog and was described as “a dreamy, plant-filled glasshouse and garden space with laid back bohemian vibes.”




Deborah making her big entrance with her dad David. Mind those leaves!


Deborah and Steve chose to get married there quite simply because it is a beautiful, unique setting and not a traditional wedding venue. They went for lunch there a couple of weeks after they got engaged and instantly fell in love with the place. They both enjoy camping and being outdoors and for them it's the perfect rural escape, close to the city, where they love spending a Sunday.



Steve and Deborah met at work in 2003. Steve says they got on straight away as Deborah seemed like a really nice genuine person; Deborah says she instantly knew they were going to get on as Steve had such a happy outgoing personality and was very chatty. 

Steve also recalls thinking Deborah had good taste in music and an awesome handbag - a star wars lunchbox she was using as one!



For Deborah and Steve, marriage means a new level to their relationship. Not a changing of who and what they are together but a deepening of the already strong bond they have together. 

And of course, a wedding is also a great excuse for a knees-up!


One of the readings during the ceremony, called 'The Cramond Question' was very fitting as it was written especially for the happy couple..... Hmmm, I wonder who Big Beardy Boy could be?



The Cramond Question by Steve Kell


Big beardy boy and his fair lass
Went down to Cramond Isle
There was a question to be asked
One he’d pondered for a while

Shirt all ironed, beard all combed
Looking just so smart
It would no longer be postponed
Time to follow his heart

Wine all chilled, the scene as set
His courage all gathered in
He took her hands, held her gaze
Then popped the Cramond question

The sun stood still, world held its breath
Was if the answer it could guess
But the answer to the Cramond question
Was, of course, just a simple yes




Deborah and Steve, congratulations and a huge thank you for asking me to be a part of your special day, and also for sharing these lovely photos by Rab Stout!

“Fiona, thank you again for being the one to marry us, help make our day so fantastic, and for all your help in the run up.”