Their Day

(Saturday morning) Well we arrived here eventually after doing the whisky and castle tours of Speyside. I thought it would be more pleasant going through the Caingorm area as it would be a more relaxed drive than the A96. However, not consulting any maps and having low phone battery, little gps internet access, passing a turn off which took us through Tomintoul all gave me a sense of unease. Result was we ended up back on the A96 around Keith, a detour that left us with little time to get to the rehearsal at 4.30pm. A stop at Kintore for emergency carbs to keep us going, a relaxed phone call from the best man to the groom saying we would be late and it did not really matter, then it was Aberdeen. We found the church

and also quite a few other parts of the city, had a wander round and easily found the hotel. By this time best man navigator and co had pulled resources and conquered an elusive gps lady, forcing her to give up the required info. Snooze followed by a meeting up with the bride’s family. A very pleasant evening meal was had with best man ensuring there was little waste of food. And then deep sleep.

(Sunday evening) Hard to believe that so little time has passed with so much happening. We were staying at the Norwood Hotel, a short distance from the Craigiebuckler Church and as it was a 2pm start everything was very relaxed, partaking in a fine full breakfast before having a long nap through the morning. Met up with No1, who was going to be one of the witnesses and the Boss and sis over from Applecross, sharing a snack and then heading up to get changed. Only a five-minute operation for me….no last second decisions on what shoes to wear or which bag goes with which hat. Shoes, socks, kilt, shirt and jacket with the accessories added before going out the door. A beautiful day, weatherwise, maybe due to the Irish saint that was prayed to or the Mexican knife in the lawn ritual carried out by Mariclau. The only concern was the disappearing gramps. But although there was concern the conversation convinced all involved that he would turn up okay. The gathering outside the church went ahead as planned, not sure what Marie Clau was saying to get these expressions but was in position soon after.

and we all headed in to await the bride.

And in she came,

radiant is not an exaggeration, they do look well together.

Lovely personal service and off into the signing (Niall took the smiler award easily throughout the day but not far behind were Paul and Fiona, his new in-laws)

and witness ceremony.

My first unexpected welling up came when we were led out of the church by Son No3 playing a Gordon Duncan tune on the pipes,

fitting as they both so loved his music and were seriously bothered by his passing. He does pose well.

Outside the transport awaited

and photos were taken,

all so relaxed and natural.

It really was beautiful, as were the shoes from Achmore.

And before the bride and groom left Gramps made his quiet entrance and joined in,

he had gone for a walk earlier and got lost, just the sort of thing I would have done. And so it was off to the Norwood Hall, with Calum showing a great interest in the transport,

for an evening of eating and dancing to celebrate a wonderful occasion.