Crieff Hydro with Katie & Laurie ( & Baxter the dog! )

This is just a taster of Katie & Laurie's day, as I couldn't resist putting up this wee film by David Gillan Photography, so waiting for the photos to accompany it was not an option - (now added!)

Between all the wee bits of the ceremony and the rest of the day that are shown though, you really do get an idea of the spirit of the occasion, and the warmth and humour they managed to imbue it with.......and just how much Baxter the dog means to them both!

Baxter is in fact a bit of a celebrity in his own right. Katie voluntarily runs Missing Pets Perth & Kinross and the Perthshire Dog Friendly website with places to eat with your pooch around here…and as she often puts up photos, Baxter has some pretty devoted fans - some of whom even sent congratulations cards to the Bride and Groom - via a favourite dog friendly cafe - when they read about the upcoming wedding!

BAXTER IN FULL HIGHLAND DRESS & KATIE READY TO WALK DOWN THE AISLE

Although I'd never met Katie before we started planning the wedding, I know her Mum and Step Dad pretty well, and have worked with Laurie a few times over the years...way back, Laurie worked with Katie's folks as a funeral director so we met first in that context, but he now runs the Highland Fling Bungee Jump place at Killiecrankie - and guided myself and my bungee jumping wedding couple through the safety and rigmarole of that crazy day! ( Bungee Jump Wedding! )

Katie and Laurie went for something a little more dignified - and the venue of course had to be dog friendly! - and it really was a lovely day altogether, with a very relaxed atmosphere despite the rather grand setting of the drawing room at the Hydro, the mood helped a lot by the fact that the bride was pretty chilled, and the groom more excited than nervous, and that seemed to keep everyone on an even keel!

There were lots of lovely elements to the day ( I was crazy about Katie's dress! Spot the wee Jewel on the chain down her back!) and I’ll write about more of them once I have the photos to add…but for now here is the poem that was read by Bridesmaid Robyn as they stood with their hands bound…There are several that seem to fit this spot – some serious, and some not so much – but I never tire of hearing this one read with feeling, by someone who loves them, as they think about the vows they are about to exchange…

The blessing of the hands 

These are the hands of your best friend,   

young and strong and full of love for you,

that are holding yours on your wedding day,

as you promise to love each other

today, tomorrow, and forever. 

These are the hands that will work alongside yours,

as together you build your future.       

These are the hands   

that will passionately love you

and cherish you through the years,

and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. 

These are the hands

that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands

that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes;

tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. 

These are the hands

that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands

that will help you to hold your family as one. 

These are the hands

that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands

that even when wrinkled and aged,

will still be reaching for yours,

still giving you the same unspoken tenderness

with just a touch.

Poem: sadly anonymous

 Video by: David Gillan Photography
 Still pictures by  Crieff Photography