One of the highlights of being a celebrant, along with spending time with so many very lovely people, is being able to lead ceremonies in incredible places.

Amy and Greg chose to make their Marriage Vows to one another in the historic 13th century Barnbougle Castle in South Queensferry. It’s a dramatic location. The formidable 13th century tower rises up where sea meets land, commanding sweeping views of the Firth of Forth.

When Greg and Amy first met with me to plan their ceremony, they asked me to create a simple, romantic, traditional ceremony that sang of their love and their stories. They wanted everyone attending to feel the joy of their connection and to enjoy every minute of the ceremony.

On the day, the atmosphere in the great hall was vibrant and heartfelt. Amy and Greg love to travel and have friends in countries all around the world. Many had been able to make the journey to join them and, for the first time in two years, they were all able to gather together.

Their ceremony was a perfect blend of poignant and joyful fun. We heard stories of Greg and Amy’s adventures across Turkmenistan, British Columbia, Ireland and Scotland. And how it was clear pretty early in their relationship that if Amy wanted to make it work with Greg she would need to learn to ski – to keep up with his first love (sorry, second love) the mountains.

We heard about their greatest adventure of all .. when Greg popped the question to Amy on (a rather shaky) bended knee in the small wicker basket of a hot air balloon at 1,000 feet above the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in Morocco.

We talked of love and marriage and what choosing to be together means to both Greg and Amy. They exchanged rings and Marriage Vows then celebrated their union with a shared drink from the Quaich to the cheers of their family and friends.

The whole event was brilliant and it was hard to resist being swept away by the timeless grandeur and elegance of the castle setting. Amy told me afterwards that her dad had noted in his father-of-the-bride speech that all weddings should follow the same approach as theirs. In his words, “it was perfect.” I couldn’t agree more – it really was beautiful.

Thank you so much for inviting me to be your celebrant, Amy and Greg. I’m delighted for you both. Thank you for choosing to share these sweet details with us all.

Thank you also to Derek Christie for the stunning photos.

Dress by Carolyn Baxter.

Flowers by Liberty Blooms.

Venue: Barnbougle Castle.

Piper: Scottish Bagpipers.