Dawn and Andrew
26/11/2005 – St Leonard’s Hotel, Stonehaven
How and when did you meet?
I have M.E and was receiving treatment at a hyperbaric chamber for people with M.S – my parents and I went along to a fund- raising ceilidh for the centre and I met Andrew there. When we were first introduced Andrew didn’t seem interested and I thought he was a bit rude. A friend later asked why he hadn’t been interested- he said he thought my boyfriend would have been offended (I was there with my parents and he thought my Dad was my boyfriend!) The friend gave him my number and when I found out I was horrified and texted him in disbelief! He replied, asking me to meet him for a drink. We met on Fri 18th April 2003 and met up on the Sunday afternoon. We got on so well we ended up going out for a meal – we’d met at 2pm and it was 10.30pm before he drove me home! I lived with my parents at the time and my Mum insisted I bring him in for a coffee (he had already scored brownie points with my Dad!) After he left my Mum said, ‘You think he’s the one, don’t you?’ and I replied, ‘Yes’ and I was obviously right as we have been together ever since!
How old are you both?
I’m 23 and Andrew is 27.
Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?
Andrew and I had discussed marriage. My Dad wanted to know what his intentions towards me were and we went looking for a ring! I picked my dream ring and Andrew said he would save to buy me it. He asked my Dad’s permission and then the day before he went offshore we went to collect the ring. He left it with my Dad for the fortnight and when he came home he took me out to a restaurant and proposed he was very sweet and emotional- we both were! He then proceeded to sing ‘Stranger in the Night’ on karaoke to me! That was on 9th July 2004.
Did you have hen and stag celebrations?
My Mum hired a ‘fire’a’limo’ (fire engine limousine) and I was given a fireman’s lift out into the limo. We were driven around Aberdeen, singing karaoke and sipping Champagne – it was amazing! We then partied the night away at the Chicago Rock Café, where my Mother horrified me by dragging me round carrying a potty with a doll in and asking men to kiss me in exchange for a pound (no tongues of course!) We did make a fare bit though! Andrew was taken to the usual strip club and though I know what went on – I think to broadcast it would make far too many brides-to-be blush!
Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?
He was supportive; he helped choose the location, DJ, cars, photographer (funnily enough though all his planning consisted of a few phone calls in one afternoon) whereas I spent endless hours arranging the rest!
Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?
The girls of the message boards were great- they had brilliant ideas for readings, gifts and offered really helpful advice!
No.
Do you have a confetti web page?
No.
Did you buy any confetti products for your wedding? If so, did you visit a store, buy online or by mail order?
I bought the card for my invitations and a bridal umbrella online.
Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it.
My parents were amazing; they bought me a stunning lace, diamante-encrusted fitted fishtail dress with a chapel length train by Mori Lee, a stunning veil (which I’ve since lost!), and gorgeous shoes from Our Day Bridal. As well as a gorgeous full-length burgundy satin cloak by Sincerity. I knew my dress was ‘the one’ when both my mum and dad burst into tears when they saw me in it!
Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?
We had two adult bridesmaids and one flower girl. My cousin Ailleen and best friend Elly wore stunning burgundy dresses from Monsoon with silk tartan wraps matching my Dad’s tartan and Paige, my flower girl wore a stunning ivory dress from Debenhams with a matching silk jacket from BHS.
Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?
Andrew chose my youngest brother Jamie as best man and the ushers were my brother Allan and cousin Danny- and my Page Boy was my cousin Steven who all wore highland attire and looked amazing!
Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?
We had a religious ceremony
Where did you hold your ceremony?
We were married in the ‘Orangery’ at St Leonard’s Hotel in Stonehaven by Rev. David Stewart from Stonehaven South Church.
Where did you hold your reception?
At St Leonard’s Hotel, where the food was as amazing as the staff and everything went perfectly!
Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?
We themed the wedding around my Dad’s kilt tartan (Autumn pride of Scotland) ranging from individual tartan bows on every invitation and order of service to the bridesmaids’ wraps and the tartan bows on the favours.
How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?
The table arrangements were burgundy and ivory flowers. The menus were tied with the same gold ribbon as the favours and the chair covers had a gold sash/bow.
Did you give your guests favours?
We gave the men Laphroig Whiskey miniatures hand-tied with tartan bows and the ladies received little angel ornaments in ivory tulle bags tied with the tartan ribbon..
Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?
My flowers, which were by Ann- Drouettes, were amazing.
What did you choose for your wedding cake?
We had an ice-cream wedding cake consisting of a top-tier of white chocolate ice cream and chocolate ice cream with white chocolate and fudge pieces and another two tiers of pink Champagne sorbet and strawberries and cream ice cream! The cake was made by Casa Marchini and was AMAZING!
Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?
We had a DJ in the evening- but my family is full of singers. We danced our first dance to my Dad singing ‘Hawaiian wedding song’ and then Jamie (the best man) sang ‘I want to grow old with you’ from the wedding singer – as well as many other fantastic tunes during the course of the evening!
Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?
Debenhams.
Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?
We spent the whole weekend at St. Leonard’s- then headed up to a luxury log cabin overlooking Loch Ness – it was amazing!
What was your most memorable moment of the day?
Walking down the aisle as husband and wife in front of our friends and family.
Also my nan finally getting her wish to see me married as she passed away on Boxing Day.
Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?
I remember walking up the aisle, gripping onto my dad and willing myself not to cry! All I could see was Andrew and I was so overcome with love! Oh and the speeches – they were so funny! My dad was so sweet and said such lovely things to Andrew that when it came to Andrew’s speech he just folded and completely forgot his speech. He was so overcome with emotion and I just remember thinking how lucky I was and how much I loved him. My brother Jamie’s speech was hilarious! The whole day was fantastic.
Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?
Enjoy every moment as it goes by so quickly- we had such an amazing day but it went by in a flash so savour it- the planning, the emotions, everything!