Amanda and Gerard’s Real Wedding Story

Amanda and Gerard

23rd May 2003

How did you meet?
We met in a local pub in Bearsden, Glasgow where we both lived with our parents at the time. It was Hogmanay 1996. Gerard saw me talking to myself (?) came over and started talking to me and the rest is history!

Describe the marriage proposal.
It was the 8th March 2002. Gerard had come home late from work (he’s a chef) and dashed straight upstairs to get ready for bed, which was unusual for him. I followed him upstairs a few minutes later, and as I got into bed he said to me, ‘You look gorgeous but I have something that would make you look even more gorgeous’ and then presented me with the most perfect pear cut platinum set solitaire ring! He then asked me to be his wife and stay with him forever. I had no hesitation in saying ‘Yes!’. Too excited to sleep, we went back downstairs and had Champagne!

How long did you spend preparing for the day and how was it?
Our engagement was 14 months long as the wedding was on the 23rd May 2003. It was absolutely fantastic, easily the best day of my life.

What type of wedding ceremony did you have and where?
We had a religious (Church of Scotland) marriage ceremony in Drumchapel St Andrews Church, Glasgow. The minister is a long standing family friend and made the ceremony very personal and special – many guests commented on that later.

Where did you hold the reception and what was it like?
We had the reception in the Dean Park Hotel, Renfrew, near Glasgow. It was all excellent. Our guests were served strawberry sparkling wine as they arrived, then the meal which was delicious. However the highlight was the fabulous Croquembouche made the day before and the day of the wedding by my husband! At night we had a Ceilidh which was absolutely superb. Our band were amazing and I am staggered by the amount of people who told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to!

Is there anything you’d like to change, with hindsight?
Not a thing. It was all fantastic.

What advice would you give to couples currently planning their wedding?
Enjoy the day. Don’t get stressed or nervous, or indeed let anything mar your enjoyment of the day. Besides, its amazing how the things you think will matter don’t as soon as you step into your wedding dress!