Hand Made Wedding Rings

The Raw Gold

Just been sent these fantastic photo's by Katie & Euan who I will have the pleasure of marrying next year.

They had told me that they were going to make their own rings for the ceremony and I was intrigued, as had not known you could do this in Scotland, so I thought I would share...

Almost round-ish!

They worked with Donna from 'Make Your Own Wedding Rings' in Edinburgh.

www.makeweddingrings.co.uk

Katie & Euan hard at work!

Too hot to handle!

Get this work filed!

Perfect!

Hilarity at Prestonfield House ~ Vicky & Ford ~ 19 September 2014

This brave groom stood at the front and played the pipes as his bride was escorted into the Garden Room...and the sun came out soon after so we got photos outside, even if we didn't manage to have the ceremony on the lawns.  There was a lot of warmth and humour from all who spoke that day.

I have two daft but entertaining extra reasons to remember this one...there was a helicopter parked outside the hotel that would be used the next week to ferry guests to the Golf Open at Gleneagles (how the other half live!)...and, just five minutes before the ceremony started, I had to ask the groom to swap positions with me at the front of the room:  when I popped out to fix my lippy and wash my hands before the ceremony, I went to use the lovely posh hand lotion, only to have the dispenser fire it out at me sideways, and it spat out a long line down the front of my suit trousers!  No hope of getting it out before we started (it had to be dry-cleaned to get it off), so I just had to swap sides with the groom so that I could stand side-on to the guests...and it didn't look like I'd dribbled my lunch!

13th September 2014

Eastwood House, Dunkeld

The beautiful Ange with photographer Nikki Leadbetter in spectacular light at Eastwood House, Dunkeld, just before the ceremony.

The ceremony and reception was actually held in a Teepee in the grounds, right on the banks of the Tay, but the venue lends itself to smaller gatherings too, and the gardens make a lovely reception space if the weather is on your side, as it was for us that day. They served cake with the Champagne after the ceremony, which everyone approved of...I think there were 5 kinds!

As well as the ones eaten after the ceremony, Andy & Ange also had this rather spectacular cake that depicts them (and a dozing Rowan!) on the Meadows in Edinburgh, where they met through the friendship of their respective dogs who - though not present at the ceremony - were honoured by the reading of "Falling in love is like owning a dog" by Taylor Mali.

Andy and Ange also incorporated a naming for their son Rowan into the ceremony, who pretty much stole the show, coo'ed giggled and sang throughout, to the delight of all!

 

Wooden Quaich, wax finished so the whisky wouldn't taste of linseed oil!

I bought this one for a friends wedding toasts, and their preference was for a more rustic feel, rather than pewter or silver with knotwork. Hand turned by Ian Strachan of Eskdale Bowl & Quaich.

Congratualtions to Jester & Anna...sorry I couldn't be there!

Annie & Donny at Kennacoil, Dunkeld

Wonderful, sunny, crazy chaotic afternoon with Annie & Donny at Kennacoil above Dunkeld. All the family in attendance and of course Winston the greyhound in his collar and tie. Good look for him. 

Some of the ceremony was literally made up as we went along, as a few things had to be left out for practical reasons, but as more elements seemed to add themselves as we went along, it wasn't a problem...the first time I've seen a handfasting done by ALL the children at the ceremony, who got to pick their own ribbons from the bag too...Molly got in there first and tied her Mum and Dad up with the skull and crossbones one!

My own photo's this time but I hope to get better ones once their photographer sorts everything out.

Farleyer Lodge with Fran & Dustin

 

Fabulous day dodging the raindrops on Monday with Fran & Dustin (and best man Dan) at Farleyer Lodge, near Aberfeldy. A new venue for me, and loved the place. Quirky and stylish in it's very own way...very much like the ceremony, the bride and groom and of course the guests!

I think the unusual tree you can see in the background here is a Himalayan Handkerchief tree. Really.

Also, the first time I've ever seen crisps as a wedding favour. Superb!

Blyth & Jeff at St. Brides Kirk, Blair Castle

Blyth & Jeff at St. Brides Kirk, Blair Castle: lovely setting, great music and a perfect walk back to the castle through the woods. Chilli's were the floral theme!

Photo's above by Liron Erel, and below by me...

Dave & Tracey at Forter Castle, Glen Isla

After 18 years together Dave & Tracey share their first kiss as husband and wife.

All the family gathered together, with the backdrop of Creag na Culgeil.

The original Forter Castle was built in 1560, and only stood for 80 years before being destroyed by the Duke of Argyle, an act that was commemorated in song as The Bonnie House of Airlie.

This edition was rebuilt using traditional methods and materials and completed in 1990, from the heap of ruined stones that had stood on the site of the original structure since its demise in 1640.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luoag6iYmmM

Castle: http://www.fortercastle.com/home.html

Rose Garden at Murrayshall

Photo by 'Weddings by Anna'

A perfect summer evening for the rose garden...just a small gathering of Sol & Susan's best freinds and family, with lots of laughs and a very relaxed atmosphere...

Instead of doing a conventinal reading or speech, Sol's Dad Peter did an amazing job of introducing all of Sol's family - with lots of cheek about each of them - to Susan's girls Lucy & Megan (at either side of the picture), as well as presenting them with gifts of welcome from his family.

Susan & Sol also chose to keep their vows secret from each other, which can be very emotional, but worked really well for them.

Leanne & Alex at Dunkeld House

This was one of those perfect summer days in Perthshire...and it feels so right that you can trully imagine it being like this all the time! Though everyone was dressed up and the setting was rather grand, the wedding still managed to feel small and relaxed with lots of laughs, and really personal vows spoken by both the Bride & Groom.

Down by the river after the ceremony. Photo by David Lozowy.

I took this one myself...just amazed that so much of the river bed was exposed...where Alex & Leanne are standing will 20 feet under the Tay by the end of November!

Jenna & Ian's Football Wedding

"Jenna and Ian, may your intentions and commitment to each other remain strong, and may the foundation of your relationship be the love and respect you share.

Play fair with each other, and respect your fans.

Remember this day, those who came to wish you well,

the words you have spoken, and the love that you have declared.

Go forward in your lives together with the good wishes of all those who love you. 

A few last words now as full time approaches, with some help from poet Denys Jones…

Sing when you’re winning, Smile when you lose,
Don’t turn up your nose at a draw.
Keep trying, keep striving whatever the cost,
And don’t take your eye off the baw...."

 Jenna & Ian...Pride of Perthshire indeed!

Glynis & William ~ Lands o' Loyal, Alyth ~ 14 May 2016

Zach & Harriet, Glen Coe House

Zach & Harriet 
The Lochan at Glen Coe House with the Pap behind us 

"As you might know Humanists don’t have a book of rules that says what a marriage should be, understanding that each marriage is as individual as the couple who are making it their own... 

Zach and Harriet believe a marriage is like a good walk in the hills: 
Before you leave the house you have to plan your route, make sure you have all you need and taking a good friend for the company. 

But no matter how hard you plan your journey sometimes the unexpected happens or the situation changes and it is at this point that you have to not be afraid to change your plan. 
The walk won’t always be easy and there will be plenty of hard work required but you know how good it feels when you are standing at the top of the hill. 

Sometimes you might even get lost, tired or hungry but you know you can never give up and support one another when they are finding it tough. 
And if the worst should happen and you need help then never be afraid to call for it. 
You need courage, ambition, motivation, communication and a little bit of crazy too, but you know that it will all be worth it in the end. 
However unlike a walk Harriet and Zach plan their marriage to have no ETA, no plan to return and no escape route ... they have all they need to wander over the hilltops and through the glens of marriage for the rest of their lives together."