It has been 3 and a half months since we got married, and I realised I never came back on to do a report and post more pictures. So, here goes ...
I finished up work a week before the wedding as my mum and step dad were arriving at the weekend from South Africa, so I wanted to spend as much time as possible with them as it had been 11 months since I'd seen them, and likely to be at least a year til I see them again. The week was mostly relaxing, got my hair coloured - decided my ombre was too severe and when up the contrast of blonde to brown was a bit extreme, so had the bottom darkened a bit and some subtle highlights through the top. I finalised the menus and name cards, as well as the tablet favour boxes.
On the Friday we went to the venue and set up the jars and candles on the evening tables, set up the sweetie cart, and dropped off my dress. We even stumbled across the castle's amazing collection of crazy hats ...
Byron and I parted ways and my mum and I went to collect my stuff for the night. I had a sudden moment of recollection ... we hadn't put the music on the iPod for the ceremony! I grabbed the laptop and the rest of my stuff and we were on our way. Mum and I went out for tea, then when we got to the house, cracked open a bottle of bubbles and a tin of roses while we sorted out the music.
I had a restless night, never slept all that well, but woke up feeling good regardless. My step dad cooked us a nice Scottish breakfast and we were ready to face the day. I was feeling pretty relaxed as we headed off to Dundee to pick up my bridesmaid Nat and head to The Greenroom (my friends salon) to get our make up done.
The photographer (my friend Chris) had been to the venue early and taken a few snaps ...
... He then met us at the salon and started snapping away.
We enjoyed a glass or two of bubbles as we were beautified and then headed on our way to the venue - Fingask Castle. My hairdresser friend Nikola was ready and waiting as we arrived and she set about doing my hair. We put the music on, popped a bottle of bubbles, laughed and danced and exchanged gifts as we got ready. Nat presented me with an album of photos from the disposable cameras from my hen do, which provided even more giggles!
We heard people beginning to arrive as we continued our preparations. And soon enough it was time for my dad to come and get me. I descended the stairs feeling like a princess! We had chosen an instrumental of Handbags and Gladrags, to which Nat entered first, followed by me and my dad. The ceremony was perfect! Conducted by Humanist Garry Smith, it was very relaxed, our words, telling our story, we did a hand fasting, exchanged rings and my Uncle Ken did a reading for us. After signing the register we exited to Jack Johnson's Better Together.
Byron and I went and had a few minutes together, then went to join the rest of our guests downstairs of the castle. We hadn't wanted too many formal photographs, but did the customary group and family posed shots, and some more on our own. Not too many though, as no one could keep a straight face long enough to pose!
We went back upstairs to sit down to our meal of Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, followed by Steak Pie, then Apple and Blackberry Crumble. We hadn't wanted the formalities of typical wedding speeches, but my dad said a few lovely words, and then we were treated to some recorded messages from my brother, niece and nephew from South Africa, who hadn't made it over.
Before we knew it our evening guests were arriving and it was time to make our way over to the pavilion. I was dreading having to do our first dance ... I hate being the centre of attention (tough luck for a bride on her wedding day) and neither of us are dancers ... but once the band (Jack Rabbit Slims from Dundee) were warmed up, it was our time. We chose Slide Away by Oasis. The band said they enjoyed playing it so much that they were going to add it to their set list.
Now it was party time! It seemed a great time was had by all. The band were so good, felt like I was at my own private gig. The hog roast and sweetie cart went down a treat. And it was so good to see all my family, friends and work colleagues mixing together and having a ball. My 85 year old grandma, who had said she would have to watch everyone enjoying themselves as she wasn't able for dancing anymore, never left the floor! After the customary rendition of Loch Lomond it was time for everyone to go home. Byron and I were staying at the castle for the night. We had a lovely breakfast in the morning, gathered up all our gifts and made our way home to say our farewells to visiting family. Then it was time to pack and get an early night (my early night eventually came about 1am) to get up at 5am for our flight to Florida. Thankfully we were organised as we slept in and were woken up by the taxi driver! We had an amazing 3 weeks in Florida, then it was home with a bump and back to work ... All of it a distant but very happy memory.
I have really enjoyed thinking back on the day to write this for you all. I'd like to say a thank you to all you hitchers who, knowingly or not, helped with ideas, opinions, and advice in our preparations.
