Nick & Lizzie Smith
13th July 2013
Although from Bracknall, Lizzie grew up in the Scottish village of Laurieston, which is just outside the historic town of Castle Douglas. The ceremony took place at Balmaghie Parish Church, which dates from 1794 and nestles on the shores of Loch Ken It closed in June 2015 after over 1000 years of Christian worship on the site. Lizzie's father was a former Met Office weather forecaster, and, as he had predicted, it was a gloriously sunny day, perfect for a summer wedding. The drive from Merseyside to Scotland went smoothly, and I was invited to a barbecue the family had the night before the wedding.
I arrived early to Recce the church. At first, I thought I'd got the time wrong, but guests slowly started to trickle in, and soon the church was full. A traditional scots piper ushered the guests into the historic church. The Groom and his best man arrived, and after a short wait, I glimpsed the wedding car in the distance....... A 1967 MG Magnette (same body as a Morris Oxford) in turquoise and cream. Lizzie's hair was immaculate, and she wore a simple but flattering halter neck dress. After the short service, we took a few quick formal shots at the back of the church, then it was on to the reception at Laurieston Hall, a beautiful 17th Century Manor house. Scottish hospitality is renowned, and the free bar was a testament to this. Every guest recieved home made alcoholic favours made by the Bride's mother, and there were two wedding cakes, a traditional style cake and a scrumtious looking chocolate cake (see the pictures). After the wedding breakfast, there was a period of relaxing in the gardens, whilst the children played on the football table and outdoor play area.
For the evening party, the Scottish theme continued with a traditional Celidh dance instead of the usual D.J. The evening buffet consisted of scrumptious hot pies from the local bakery, after which, the cake was cut and delicious puddings were served. The evening ended with a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne, and as is the tradition in these parts, the bride and groom were encircled by all the guests linking arms like you do on New Years Eve. All in all, this was an unusually different kind of wedding, with a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere.
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Lizzie hails from the quaint Scottish village of Laurieston, in Dumfies & Galloway. Her Mother, Cath, is a dab hand at arts and crafts, and a lot of the decorations and wedding favours were made by Cath. The ceremony took place in the small Parish Church of Balmaghie, which sadly, is no longer used for services, and nestes by the shores of Loch Ken I travelled up from Merseyside the day before, and enjoyed a barbecue that evening.
Next day,as the wedding had a Scottish theme, I photographed a Bagpiper welcoming the guests and the Bride as they arrived. As there were two photographers, the minister only wanted one photographer, so my duties reccomenced after the ceremony. The whole atmosphere was lovely and relaxed. It wasn't like a normal wedding where you follow a set pattern, things just slotted into place when everyone was ready. After the ceremony and some candid photographs were taken, it was on to the 17th Century Laurieston Hall for the Wedding Breakfast and evening reception. After a delicious three course meal, it was time for the speeches, after which the guests chillaxed in the warm sunshine outside the building untill the evening reception. A free bar had been brought into the beautiful commune, and the adults quaffed a leisurely pint or three, whilst the children played on the Bar Footbal table or the play area.
The evening reception, unusually, wasn't a disco, but a traditional Scottish Celidh dance. Celidh dancing is very energetic, and a lot of fun, as you try to remember all the steps. After a scrumptous buffet of hot craft bakery pies (my favourite), it was time to cut the Wedding Cakes. That's right, there were two. As well as a traditional cake, there was a beautiful chocolate cake (which you'll see in the slideshow). The evening ended with the last dance, which taditionally in Scotland is 'Auld Lang Syne. I made lots of beautiful memories, which Nick & Lizzie will treasure for many years to come.
This could be the order of service for YOUR big day.
There's nothing the Scots love more than to end a great celebration with Auld Lang Syne.