A peaceful, windswept Scottish beach wedding

“From the beginning, our relationship has felt right and peaceful and like coming home.”

Emily and Jo
Silvya Palladino Photography

Jo and Emily made their Marriage promises to each other close to the beautiful, windswept Lunan Bay in Angus. It was a day of tropical winds, poetry and connection, flowers and laughter. In an intimate gathering of their closest friends and family, we celebrated these two wonderful people.

To open the ceremony, a family member shared Mary Oliver’s timeless poem, Wild Geese; a poem that has special meaning to Emily and Jo as it reminds them of another beautiful day when they were walking at Lunan Bay, and they saw a huge V of geese flying overhead.

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things

Mary Oliver
Silvya Palladino Photography

Emily and Jo chose to include an Oathing Stone ritual in their ceremony in honour of the ancient Celtic belief that vows made in the presence of water and stone are especially binding, and also as a nod to the windowsills full of stones that they have at home, having pocketed them on their adventures together.

Silvya Palladino Photography

Holding the stone in their joined hands, they reflected on the journey that has brought them to be where they are today. They placed the stone on the earth close to them, as is tradition, then Jo shared a reading she had chosen especially for Emily from “I like you” by Sandol Stoddart Worburg.

Silvya Palladino Photography

I like you because

I don’t know why but 

Everything that happens 

Is nicer with you 

I will go on choosing you

And you will 

Go on choosing me 

Over and over again 

An extract of “I like you” by  Sandol Stoddart Worburg

We talked of love and connection and the values Jo and Emily both hold dear to their hearts. We shared insights into how brilliantly they complement one another, and what Marriage means to them both. Then Jo and Emily made shared promises and, as they made their Marriage Vows to one another, they gifted each other rings.

Silvya Palladino Photography

As the tropical storm picked up around us, it was my honour to declare Emily and Jo married to the whoops and cheers of their family and friends. The ceremony closed with a reading by Emily’s mum, Liz; A Blessing for a Wedding by Jane Hirschfield. The whole event was gorgeous and so perfect for these two nature-loving, kind-hearted, creative people.

When I asked you what the spirit of your relationship is, you told me that your relationship is grounded and peaceful. Your love feels very simple, which makes your relationship feel simple too. It feels uncomplicated and natural. You have a good time together, whatever you are doing. 

So much love to you both, Jo and Emily. Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony. I absolutely loved being your celebrant. Wishing you many wonderful adventures in the years to come with all the star-gazing, sea-dipping and picnics you could hope for.

Silvya Palladino Photography

Thank you to Silvya Palladino Photography for the glorious photos.

An elegant, romantic Scottish wedding

“This is it, this is what the entire world is after and you’ve stumbled upon it by chance, by accident – so take a deep breath, take a step forward, now run, collide like planets in the system of a dying sun, embrace each other with both arms and let all the rules, the opinions and common sense crash down around you. Because this is love.”

Beau Taplin
Nikki Leadbetter Photography

Fiona and Tim affirmed their love to one another on a sunny May day in an elegant, traditional ceremony at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. The gardens were resplendent in bloom. We filled the Caledonian Hall with love, stories, music and laughter.

Nikki Leadbetter Photography

I promise to give you my all in everything we do, as you are the person I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Tim and Fiona made personal promises and gifted each other rings. They chose each other in Marriage to the delighted cheers of their family and friends. 

Nikki Leadbetter Photography

Fiona shared with me when we were planning their ceremony that there had been a point, early in their relationship, where she was worried she and Tim had such different personalities that it could surely never work. They both realised very quickly that their differences are what actually make it work.

They’ve grown as people as they’ve grown closer. And they’ve expanded each other’s horizons. Or rather, to quote Tim, “Fiona’s more into sport now and I definitely watch more musicals.” Hearing the sweet, funny story of how these two brilliant people found each other and fell into life together was so heartwarming.

Nikki Leadbetter Photography

After the ceremony, Tim’s dad told me “that was really special.” And it really was so personal and fun. The joy was palpable as we all witnessed Fiona and Tim, who met on the dance floor, dance into their married future together. 

Nikki Leadbetter Photography

Congratulations Tim and Fiona! Wishing you a future filled with musicals, Percy Pigs, road trips and all the happiness and adventure you could wish for in your lives together. Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony and for choosing to share these sweet details with us all.

Thank you to the wonderful Nikki Leadbetter for the beautiful photos.

“We Still Do!” A romantic Scottish Vow Renewal

You have my heart and soul and I’m so happy to share the rest of our lives together. 

A lifetime to love and hold you is my only wish, my love for you is forever.

Shawnie and Dan

When Shawnie and Dan first contacted me to plan their elopement Vow Renewal ceremony it was immediately clear that theirs would be an incredibly special day. Scotland had been a place Shawnie had longed to visit for most of her life, for “the beauty, the tradition and the romance.” It took overcoming her fear of flying for her to brave the long journey from California with Dan by her side. In Shawnie’s words, “it was worth it to visit the most beautiful country in the world.”

Dan and Shawnie’s Vow Renewal was a celebration of 15 years of marriage, 20 years together, and many joyful years of family life. Their ceremony, in a quiet room at the historic Shieldhill Castle, was gentle, loving and relaxed. It was such a pleasure to hold space for these two high school sweethearts who have been through so much together and who clearly have a great time whatever they do.

Dan and Shawnie first met when Shawnie was in Sophomore year and Dan was just out of high school. It was at a memorable high school dance that they fell in love, and they have been together ever since. Now they live in their beautiful home together in Fortuna by the river and the redwoods with their four children and two sweet dogs. Over the years, they’ve supported each other through life’s challenges and made the most of their time together, treasuring the small everyday moments with their singing, trumpet-playing, roller-skating, hilarious, thoughtful children and the happy chaos of their home. In their words, “We wouldn’t ever change a thing.” 

We opened the ceremony with an Oathing Stone ritual with Dan and Shawnie both placing their hands on the stone as they reflected on all that had brought them to be where they are today. In ancient Celtic belief, vows made by stone and water are said to be more binding. They placed their Oathing Stone close to them as is tradition – next to their handmade “We still do!” sign.

We reflected on memorable moments of their time together – the fun, the hard, the beautiful and the brilliant. I made up scrolls for Shawnie and Dan to share heartfelt words with each other that they had kept secret until the day. They gifted each other a ring.

Shawnie and Dan affirmed their love with a traditional Handfasting, the plaited ribbons symbolising their love and connection and their family.

Do you affirm your commitment to your constant friend, your partner in life and your one true love? 

Do you promise to love them without reservation,

Honour and respect them, 

Protect them from harm,

Comfort them in times of distress, 

And to grow with them in mind and spirit

For all your many years to come?

It was my honour to affirm their commitment and to declare them again as life partners.

There are so many reasons to consider renewing vows. Perhaps it’s an anniversary, a chance to honour the completion of your family, a moment to celebrate overcoming hardship, or an opportunity to declare your love in the presence of family and friends. Whatever the reason, a Vow Renewal ceremony is a beautiful opportunity to pause, to reflect on your journey as a couple so far, to acknowledge all that you have achieved together, and to renew your Marriage vows and set your intentions for the coming years. 

Witnessing Dan and Shawnie slow dance after the ceremony – just the two of them dancing together overlooking the beautiful South Lanarkshire countryside – made me appreciate again how important it is that we savour these moments, that we remember to pause, to reflect, to give thanks for all that we have and all that we are. Dan and Shawnie’s Vow Renewal ceremony was gorgeous and I am so happy for this wonderful couple and their lively, entertaining, joyful family.

Congratulations to you both, Dan and Shawnie! Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony and for sharing these lovely details of your day. It was a pleasure and an honour being your celebrant and I look forward to welcoming you to Scotland again in the future.

It was super to meet Jonathan and Claire from Love Weddings and Film. Thank you for these stunning photos.

A beautiful bilingual Edinburgh wedding

It’s all about love.

Ying and Ao
Little Forest Studio

Ying and Ao first contacted me just six weeks before their planned wedding celebration. They had already made their legal Marriage promises to one another in an intimate ceremony in China and were delighted to discover soon after that they will be welcoming a new member to their family. Their Edinburgh wedding was an opportunity to celebrate their love and commitment – and their exciting news – with their wider friends and family.

Little Forest Studio

Their ceremony was simple, beautiful and relaxed. It took place at the gorgeous Carberry Tower in East Lothian on a beautiful, sunny day. We shared words in both English and Mandarin to honour Ao and Ying’s heritage and their love of Scotland.

Little Forest Studio

Family is at the heart of Chinese culture and it was really important to both Ao and Ying that their families be included in their day. We heard funny, heartfelt, poignant words from their close friend and Ao’s uncle. And, as Ao and Ying’s parents were unable to make the journey from China, another close friend surprised them both with a message in Mandarin from their parents, which we had kept secret until the day.

Little Forest Studio

We talked about love and family, Marriage and commitment. Ying and Ao shared personal vows and gifted each other a wedding ring.

They affirmed their Marriage Vows with a traditional Handfasting.

Little Forest Studio

Ying and Ao, this cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. The cord is woven from a red ribbon, white ribbon and gold string. Red in Chinese culture represents luck, happiness and strength. White represents their pure love and heart, and the golden string represents prosperity and wisdom. These cords are intertwined to represent your hopes and blessings for your future.

Ao and Ying toasted their future with a shared sip of Irn Bru from their Quaich to honour their decision to make their home in Scotland.

Little Forest Studio

It was such an honour to be part of this gorgeous, fun ceremony. Thank you, Ying and Ao, for trusting me to be your celebrant and for choosing to share these sweet details of your day with us all. Wishing you all the best for the future and all the exciting times ahead.

Thank you to Little Forest Studio for these lovely photos.

A traditional, uplifting Edinburgh wedding

A great mix of emotion and joy.

Mother-of-the-bride
Claire Tennant Photography

When I met with Shona and Nathan to plan their wedding ceremony, they told me they’d like a simple, beautiful, traditional ceremony in which they can both make their Marriage commitments to one another in the presence of their families and closest friends, the people most important to them. They also said they didn’t want a ceremony that was “too lovey dovey.”

Their ceremony took place at the gorgeous Carberry Tower in East Lothian. Their gathering was mixed faith, representing several different beliefs and denominations. It was my pleasure to lead a ceremony in which the shared and varied beliefs of all participating were welcome and respected.

We had a blast celebrating these two kind-hearted, fun-loving people who both share a great love of cats, good food and the same fab sense of humour.

Claire Tennant Photography

We shared a bit about their story; from the moment Shona and Nathan first set eyes on each other – or to use Nathan’s words, since “Shona first interrogated him” – to the amazing journey they have been on together to their beautiful sunset engagement in Tenerife.

We all enjoyed a moment of peaceful reflection, in which everyone was invited to pause to consider the loving and binding commitments Shona and Nathan were choosing to make to each other and, if they wish, to send a prayer, blessing or well-wishing thought their way.

Shona and Nathan exchanged rings and emotional vows. Then they enjoyed their first married toast with a shared drink from the Quaich.

Claire Tennant Photography

As Shona’s mum said after the ceremony, “it was perfect, inclusive and fun, so personal, and really got to the essence of Shona and Nathan’s relationship.” We even managed to conjure a couple of cats! Much to the delight of their family and friends, two cats sauntered across the garden behind the chapel just as I was wishing Shona and Nathan “a future filled with cats.”

Congratulations Shona and Nathan! I absolutely loved being your celebrant. Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony and for choosing to share these details of your day with us all.

Wishing you so much love and happiness for your future together (and all the cats you could wish for!)

Thank you also to Claire Tennant for sharing these gorgeous photos.

Claire Tennant Photography

An Epic Scottish Castle Wedding

Derek Christie Photography

 “I promise to always be your most loyal friend, and at times your worst nightmare.

I promise to love you always no matter what tomorrow brings.”

“I promise to be here for you, and support you, whenever you need me – even when I think you’ve lost your mind. 

I promise to try to make you smile everyday – even when Liverpool are losing.”

Rebecca and Michael

Planning Rebecca and Michael’s ceremony with them was wonderful fun.Their wedding was an opportunity to bring together all their friends and family in one place to celebrate their six years together and to share in their love and happiness. It was a chance to give thanks to their loved ones for all the laughs and fun they’ve shared so far, and for everyone to get excited for all that the future will bring.

Derek Christie Photography

Their wedding took place in the historic Dundas Castle in South Queensferry. It was a glorious day and everyone they had hoped would be there had managed to join them, which felt especially poignant after the past two years of restrictions.

Derek Christie Photography

The spellbindingly atmospheric 15th century Auld Keep was the perfect setting. The room was bursting with love and laughter as we shared Michael and Rebecca’s story so far – how they both bonded over their similar outlook and shared sense of humour, how Becca challenged Mike to an arm wrestle on their first date (which she lost), and how despite this (or perhaps because of it) they quickly realised they really liked each other.

Derek Christie Photography

We heard about the adventures this travel-loving duo have shared, and their hopes and wishes for the future (including their plans to adopt a Pomsky puppy). I shared some secret thoughts that Mike and Becca had shared with me when I asked about their love and connection, prompting a great deal of happy tears and laughter. A friend recited an insightful poem she had written especially for them both for the day.

Derek Christie Photography

Then Rebecca and Michael made their personal vows to each other and gifted rings, before sealing their Marriage vows with a traditional Handfasting. They tied an Eternity Knot with two swathes of tartan representing their two families.

It was my privilege to declare Michael and Rebecca legally married to the cheers of their family and friends.

Derek Christie Photography

There is something timeless about witnessing a couple exchanging their enduring vows in a place so steeped in history. It was such an honour and a privilege to lead this fun, thoughtful, personal ceremony.

Congratulations to you both, Mike and Becca. Thank you for trusting me to be your celebrant, and thank you for choosing to share these beautiful details of your day with us all. Wishing you so much love for your future together.

Derek Christie Photography

Thank you to Derek Christie for sharing these stunning photos. It was great working with you again.

Shout out to the epic team of suppliers:

Ronald Joyce Bridal

Lace and Button Bridal

Danielle Hair Dressing

Kilter Ceilidh Music

Singers 4 Supper

Becky’s Flowers

Fays Cakes

Heritage Portfolio

Natalie McKenzie Bridal Make Up

Eve Learmonth Make Up Artist

Including a Scottish Handfasting in your wedding ceremony

Incorporating a Handfasting ritual into your Marriage or Vow Renewal is a beautiful opportunity to add personal details to your ceremony. There are so many unique ways that a Handfasting ritual can add meaningful connection to you both.

Handfasting is a symbolic ritual that has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition. By binding your hands together, you are declaring your love and intention to share your lives together. A Handfasting binding represents the coming together of two individuals and two families. 

Take a moment to reflect on your loving connection. Feel the warmth, respect and love that you have for each other fill your heart, as you hold each other’s hands. 

As these ribbons are tied together, your lives – your pasts, presents and futures – become intertwined in thought, word and action. In binding your hands together, you are declaring your wish and intention to leave this place today with your lives bound together as one. After today, the two paths of your lives will come together as one, and two sets of hopes and desires for the future will be joined in commitment and intention.

Kris Soul Photography

It is up to you when you choose to include a Handfasting ritual in your ceremony. For some, the tying of the knot becomes an intention-setting declaration at the start of the ceremony, gathering loved ones into the space. Each person is invited to gift a ribbon with symbolic qualities or elements that you might wish to weave into your vows. This is also a lovely way to involve children.

The first four ribbons represent the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, which Ali and Ori believe are present in all of nature and in all of us, and whose energy determine and shape so much of our lives. 

The next four ribbons represent Joy, Partnership, Communication and Trust – values and qualities which they hold particularly dear.

The ninth ribbon represents their past; their ancestors and their own personal histories, everything which has brought them to this place and this moment. 

The tenth ribbon stands for all their friends and family, and the important role each one of you plays in their lives. 

The eleventh ribbon stands for the unknown; the mystery and hidden secrets of life. And the final ribbon stands simply for love.

An extract from Aliya and Ori’s Marriage ceremony
We Are Elopers

For others, a Handfasting can be an affirmation of shared promises midway through the ceremony. If you wish, you could warm your wedding bands between your joined hands while making your shared promises, ready to exchange rings when you make your legally binding Marriage vows.

Do you promise to give each other the freedom you need to grow as individuals, to be inspired and to seize life?

“We will!” 

Rachel and Tonie Photography

Traditionally, a Handfasting would take place when you make your legally binding Marriage Vows to one another (when you say your “I do!” or repeat-after-me vows), thereby symbolically ‘tying the knot’. If you choose this option, you might have exchanged rings earlier in the ceremony, perhaps when you make your personal vows to one another or after sharing some loving words with each other. The Handfasting ribbons – and the knots you tie – then become a symbolic keepsake of your Marriage declarations.

“As I give you my hand, so I give you my heart.”

There are so many options for tying the knot! There are loose knots and gift knots, eternity knots and wrap knots. There are knots where the celebrant (or a friend or family member) can tie the ribbons for you, or knots where you can tie your own dramatic knot.

Jonnie + Garrett

Handfasting bindings can be made of tartan or lace, ribbons or cords. They can be handmade or shop bought, intricate or simple. They can be anything you wish them to be.

In one ceremony, the couple chose a ship’s rope as their Handfasting bindings to honour their love of the sea.

In another ceremony, the couple made Handfasting ribbons out of their festival gig wristbands to celebrate their love of music and gigging. 

Siobhan Stewart Photography

The words shared during a Handfasting ritual can be sculpted and shaped to reflect the personalities and interests of the two people exchanging promises. Some couples choose to include traditional Handfasting wording, even if they are not binding their hands with ribbons or cords.

Know that, as you have done throughout the time you have been together, so you will love each other from this day forward. Know that these will be the hands that you hold tomorrow, and the next day, and into the next decade.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as you build your life together, the hands that will touch you with love and tenderness through the years, and the hands that will comfort you like no others’ can.

These are the hands that will hold you through grief, fear and hardship.

These are the hands that will wipe tears of joy and sorrow from your eyes, and will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will hold your family together, and that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that, when life slows and the gift of old age comes upon you, will still be reaching for yours. 

Ian Linton Photography

If you would like a Handfasting ritual in your ceremony, I will gladly help you decide what will work best for you. The type of Handfasting you choose and the words that we weave will always be a reflection of your personalities and your own loving connection. 

Thank you to all the couples and photographers who generously gifted their photos for this post about Handfasting. I am so grateful to be able to share these gorgeous details with couples planning their own ceremonies. Thank you!

Raini Rowell Photography

Slideshow images:

Paul Maguire Photography (blue and white ribbons draped over joined hands)

Raini Rowell Photography (intricate plaited ribbons and cords bound around joined hands)

Rachel and Tonie Photography (embroidered pastel coloured ribbons)

A traditional, beautiful East Lothian Wedding

There’s beauty in simplicity. When Alice and MJ invited me to be their celebrant in August last year, true to their laid back natures, they were totally unfazed about planning their wedding in just a couple of months. We chatted in their cosy home by the sea with their sweet dog, Cora, asleep by the fire. It became clear very quickly that their day would be super mellow and gorgeous.

In Alice’s words, “We don’t like a fuss. Our wish is for a beautiful, simple ceremony where we can celebrate our love with our close family and friends.”

On a crisp, bright December day, MJ and Alice’s family friends and members of the school pipe band played as we all gathered under the impressively tall Christmas tree in the hall at Belhaven School, where Alice works. Alice and MJ walked up their wedding aisle together with Cora, in a symbolic gesture of the equality of their partnership and their shared love and support.

It was important to Alice and MJ that they choose an Agnostic ceremony; a ceremony that fully respected the shared and varied beliefs of everyone present. Alice was brought up Christian and MJ is non religious. Many members of their family have spiritual or faith-based beliefs. So, it was an honour to lead a ceremony that was inclusive and welcoming to all.

A close friend read a sweet reading from the Velveteen Rabbit and we all sang a lively rendition of Highland Cathedral to honour MJ and Alice’s Scottish heritage. I shared a few words about how the, at times, over-zealous matchmaking efforts of MJ and Alice’s friends eventually (and thankfully!) paid off when they introduced these two kind, unassuming people to each other on a skiing holiday in France. MJ and Alice hit off instantly bonding over shared interests and similar outlook on the world.

It’s clear that Alice and MJ complement each other brilliantly. Alice is typically late, MJ is punctual. Alice ski’s, MJ snowboards. Alice is, by her own admission, “a bit too relaxed about things” whereas MJ is “constantly wiping the new wooden worktop”. They care a lot for each other and have a similar sense of humour, really enjoying each other’s company while also spending time independently enjoying their own time and interests. 

In the presence of their dearest friends and family, Alice and MJ exchanged rings and Marriage Vows with a snoozing Cora by their feet. Then they shared a first married toast in their beautiful ceramic Quaich, made by another close friend.

After the ceremony, a relative of Alice’s came up to me and said “it was perfect. So Alice. So MJ. Simple, gorgeous and personal.”

As I left everyone was celebrating in the common room at Belhaven and I had such a warm feeling. It was a beautiful honour to be part of this gentle, loving ceremony.

Wishing you so much love and happiness, Alice and MJ, and all the long walks, cosy pub lunches, fresh powder snow and happiness you could wish for.

Thank you for choosing to share these sweet details of your day. Thank you to Alice and MJ’s uncle and cousin, Dougie and Naomi Walker, for the stunning photos.

A romantic Scottish castle wedding

Derek Christie Photography

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.

Derek Christie Photography

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.

Derek Christie Photography

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.

Derek Christie Photography

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.

Derek Christie Photography

A local, ethical Edinburgh wedding

There’s something wonderful about getting married in the place where you’ve chosen to lay down your roots. And Andrew and Kate did just that. They held their “no fuss” Leith wedding at a creative community hub, The Biscuit Factory, just a few streets from their beautiful home. By working with local suppliers they also helped to fulfill their wish of making their day as sustainable and ethical as possible.

SG Mark Photography

When I met with Kate and Andrew they told me they would like a simple ceremony and that, for them, their wedding was mostly a chance for everyone they know and love to come together to celebrate the joining of their two families. They also said they didn’t want to be mentioned much in their ceremony! In Kate’s words, “we can’t think of anything more embarrassing than hearing nice things about ourselves.” 

So, we honoured these two unassuming, kind, funny, thoughtful people – without putting the spotlight on them too much – and it was wonderful!

We talked about love, family and togetherness. We shared what marriage means to them both, sang rousing songs and heard gorgeous poetry.

You’ll be mine, noo, an’ till the end o’ time,

ma bonnie lassie, I’ll tak the full guid o’ ye’ 

and gie it back, and gie it back tae ye:

a furst kiss, a lang promise, time’s gowden ring.

Extract of A Lang Promise by Jackie Kay
SG Mark Photography

Andrew and Kate shared joint vows and exchanged rings.

Will you both be there for each other, not out of dependence but out of love, building on your long friendship, your similarities and your differences? 

“We will!”

Then they affirmed their love to each other with a traditional Handfasting. Each of their mums presented the Handfasting cords that would symbolise the intertwining of their lives; Morrison tartan for Andrew’s family, and a silk scarf for Kate’s family.

SG Mark Photography

They toasted their union with the sharing of the Quaich, with their dads presenting the Quaich and whisky. Their first wedding toast was a sip of Balvenie, reminding Andrew and Kate of the time they celebrated climbing their first munro together with a dram of Balvenie – and Andrew had discovered he liked whisky, after all. 

SG Mark Photography

The groomsmen then handed out miniature whiskies and mocktails to all the guests and we toasted Kate and Andrew as they walked into their future together.

SG Mark Photography

Congratulations Kate and Andrew! I wish you so much happiness and adventure in your lives together. It was a great honour being your celebrant. Thank you for sharing these sweet details of your day.

Thank you also to SG Mark Photography for the beautiful photos.