Laylu and Graeme’s Real Life Wedding

 

Laylu and Graeme

06/08/2005 – Civil Ceremony, Edniburgh
Edinburgh Zoo

  photos by Manhattan Photography

How and when did you meet?

At school 16 years ago.

How old are you both?

I’m 31, he’s a year younger at 30 (made him quite cool at school!)

Where, when and how did he (or you!) propose?

He proposed in March 2005 during a romantic/dirty (!) weekend away in Ballachullish, Scotland. He proposed at night, at the end of a great day.

Did you have hen and stag celebrations?

He went clay pigeon shooting, while I met up with friends separately for drinks.

Did your groom help you with the wedding planning?

He did loads, he also kept me sane and civil! I’m glad we opted for a short engagement.

Did you use confetti to plan your wedding? If so, how did the website help you?

In the early days, for one or two daft questions that everyone else seems to know the answer to – except me; but then, not really much after.

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?

Wedding insurance online.

Tell us about your outfit, and where you bought it.

Maggie Sottero, bought for a bargain online. Strapless, even though I swore I wouldn’t! It’s such a simple, classic design with a hint of sexiness. Everything else was again bought for a bargain online: a pearl choker necklace, shoes and the cutest short veil. The deals ARE out there.

Did you have bridesmaids? If so, who did you choose and what did they wear?

One, my sister-in-law, in a fabulous, deep purple strapless gown, which she chose herself, the week before the wedding.

Who did your groom choose for his best man and ushers, and what did they wear?

All the men were kilted up. The best man and the one usher were absolute stars on the day.

Did you have a civil or religious ceremony?

We had a civil ceremony.

Where did you hold your ceremony?

Edinburgh Zoo, in a Mansion House just up from the penguins and beside the lemurs!

Where did you hold your reception?

Same place, I’d definitely recommend them.

Did you have any special wedding transport?

I arrived in an Irn Bru taxi, complete with ribbons and flowers. I’d seen it around town for years and always wanted to arrive somewhere important in it.

How many guests did you invite to your wedding, and did you have a separate evening guest list?

There were about 55 all day guests only.

Did your reception have a particular theme in terms of colour or style?

The only real theme was purple, I suppose. Actual themes seemed too much hassle and we just wanted a fun and relaxed day.

How did you incorporate this in to your table settings?

The venue put out table posies in purple and cream. I didn’t have to think about it at all. I didn’t know what the tables even looked like until I sat down for the meal.

Did you give your guests favours?

Penguin bars, complete with corny jokes on the wrappers!

Describe your flowers (bouquets and table decorations). Who was your florist?

A simple bouquet made up of 2 stargazer lilies and a few thistles. Some other bits to it but I don’t know the names, long ‘grassy’ type things!

What did you choose to have on your menu? Did you have an outside caterer or did your venue handle the catering?

The venue did the catering. We insisted on giving the guests a choice, so there was a choice of beef, chicken or a vegetarian dish on the menu. I barely touched mine (too excited) but have heard all were fab.

What did you choose for your wedding cake?

A good ol’ M&S bargain again – they had a 3 for 2 offer on the sponge and fruit. We did get the toppers made though, two penguins: one in a kilt and one with a veil – they’re so cute.

Did you have any entertainment during the day or evening?

There was a Ceilidh band for the first hour or so, and then dance music via a hired PA, which all worked a treat.

Did you have a gift list? If so, who did you have your list with?

We asked for vouchers from various stores.

Where did you spend your first night and honeymoon? Who did you book your honeymoon with?

A plush hotel in the West End and a five star Honeymoon in Greece…’scorchio!’

What was your most memorable moment of the day?

Most of what I remember, some are still coming in flashbacks.

Did you experience any ‘nightmare’ moments in the run up to your wedding or on the day?

Yes, choose the members of your wedding party wisely, that’s all I’ll say.

Is there anything you would do differently, or any advice you would give to other brides?

DELEGATE, especially in the last few days running up to the wedding. Try to spend quality moments with your guests. Don’t take it all too seriously. We all hope for a great start to a marriage, but it’s the days and years after the wedding that matter the most.