A uniquely personal Wedding at Edinburgh Zoo: “I want to be your personal penguin …”

“I like you a lot. 

You’re funny and kind. 

So let me explain 

What I have in mind. 

I want to be your personal penguin. 

I want to walk right by your side. 

I want to be your personal penguin. 

I want to travel with you far and wide.”

Sandra Boynton
Siobhan Stewart Photography

When E and O first met at Regent’s Park in London, E was standing holding a beer in one hand and her phone in the other as a rounders ball slowly rolled towards her shoes – which were falling apart. O remembers thinking this was quite funny, as everyone else was at least pretending to pay attention to the game while drinking.

As it happens, E’s obliviousness to the match was fine as their team went on to win all the games, then heading to the pub to celebrate. E & O shared some chips and bonded over a love of pop music, the environment and travel. They quickly realised they had met someone incredibly important.

Siobhan Stewart Photography

This summer, in a room overlooking the Pentland hills within the lively surroundings of Edinburgh Zoo, E & O affirmed their commitment to be together forever.

To declare these two funny, kind-hearted and, by their own admission, quirky people married was a complete joy. Their ceremony was a wonderful and eclectic mix of personal touches.

Siobhan Stewart Photography

They shared some loving words with each other before exchanging rings. Then made their Marriage Vows to one another with a traditional Handfasting. To honour their shared love of Glastonbury and as a symbol of all the fun and adventure still to come in their lives together, their handfasting cords were made up of their music festival wristbands. The mother-of-the-groom tied the cords and it was my great honour to declare these two wonderful people wife and husband.

Siobhan Stewart Photography

O & E chose to start their married life together with a toast to each other – a shot of tequila with lime and salt – in their wedding quaich.

As you both hold onto this cup, reflect on how your love for each other makes you stronger. Your marriage is a bond forged between the two of you to weather a lifetime, supporting each of you, both individually and together, as you sail through the sometimes stormy and often glorious seas of life.

Siobhan Stewart Photography

The whole event was such heartwarming fun and I’m over the moon that these two fabulous people could finally get married after such a very long wait, and so many postponements. Congratulations, O & E! Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony and for sharing these lovely details of your day.

Siobhan Stewart Photography

Thank you to Siobhan Stewart for the beautiful photographs.

Thanks to the team at Edinburgh Zoo for being so warm and welcoming.

Gorgeous flowers by Stems.

Lovely also to meet John, The Pickled Piper, for the first time.

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