The Wedding of Colin and Iona Donald
Elgin, Scotland.
There are few times in your life when you are given an opportunity to do something for someone that means so much to both of you. That opportunity happened to me when my best friend Colin, whom I'd known since we met at Elgin Academy way back in 1982, called me out of the blue and asked me to be the Best Man at his Wedding. To say I was chuffed to bits was an understatement. This was the first time anyone had asked me to do this, and that fact that it was for Colin and Iona made it really special.
It was an obvious 'yes', but I had to explain that there was the remote possibility that I might be in the middle of the ocean on the day in queston. A back up plan was needed in the form of Ryan Christie who was a huge help in organising a 'wee stag doo' for the boy while I was absent at sea. A big thinks goes out to Ryan for helping out!
Thankfully all went to plan with the sailing, and Sadie and I were able to make our way North to Elgin a few days before the Wedding to help out with the preparations and to ensure that the Bride Groom both dehaved himself and was also in a fit state on the important day. Needless to say the days running up to the big day were pretty liquid with vast quantities of red wine being drunk and many stories of days gone by being embellished by the mouthful! However, it wasn't all about drinking as there were quiches to cook and sandwiches to make to help soak up the guests alcohol intake at the Wedding Reception. Both Iona and Sadie definitely kept us busy here - and to this day I don't think that I could face another quiche again in my life.
The Wedding Day itself was fantastic. Very laid back and relaxed - just the way that Colin and Iona wanted it. The venue was the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin, and despite the rain which greeted us on the morning of the wedding, the skies cleared and the sun came out as if on cue in time for the ceremony. Iona looked stunning as she was walked up to beautiful grounds at the rear of the hotel by her 'bairns', meanwhile Colin was literally shaking like a leaf and trying desparately to contain the emotion that was welling up from within. Once the two of them were standing side by side the nerves settled and the vows began. Any remaining pressure was broken completely when asked to produce the wedding rings, I placed Skull and Crossbones and Horses Head rings onto the silk cusion for the Registrar to offer over to the Bride and Groom! After a moment of complete shock and disbelief, and me saying to Colin "are these not the right rings?" - to which he simply replied "er, no"!! Realisation then quickly dawned, and a welcome chuckle and light relief rippled through everyone. The rest of the ceremony played through and we then retired for the formal photographs and eventually up for dinner. I had the pleasure of saying a few kind words after dinner, despite Colin's assurances that I didn't have to get up and say anything! (Come on, who in their right mind would give up such an opportunity.) With formalities duly dispatched, the entourage then headed up to New Elgin Hall for the live band and also to devour the thirty or so quiches and plates of sandwiches previously prepared!! The night wouldn't have been complete without an impromtu performance by Colin's band as they rocked out a few numbers to the guests - very cool :-)
Overall a totally cool few days and some truely great memories - glad we had so many cameras there to capture the moments. We love you guys - enjoy the photos! A&S xx
Read MoreThere are few times in your life when you are given an opportunity to do something for someone that means so much to both of you. That opportunity happened to me when my best friend Colin, whom I'd known since we met at Elgin Academy way back in 1982, called me out of the blue and asked me to be the Best Man at his Wedding. To say I was chuffed to bits was an understatement. This was the first time anyone had asked me to do this, and that fact that it was for Colin and Iona made it really special.
It was an obvious 'yes', but I had to explain that there was the remote possibility that I might be in the middle of the ocean on the day in queston. A back up plan was needed in the form of Ryan Christie who was a huge help in organising a 'wee stag doo' for the boy while I was absent at sea. A big thinks goes out to Ryan for helping out!
Thankfully all went to plan with the sailing, and Sadie and I were able to make our way North to Elgin a few days before the Wedding to help out with the preparations and to ensure that the Bride Groom both dehaved himself and was also in a fit state on the important day. Needless to say the days running up to the big day were pretty liquid with vast quantities of red wine being drunk and many stories of days gone by being embellished by the mouthful! However, it wasn't all about drinking as there were quiches to cook and sandwiches to make to help soak up the guests alcohol intake at the Wedding Reception. Both Iona and Sadie definitely kept us busy here - and to this day I don't think that I could face another quiche again in my life.
The Wedding Day itself was fantastic. Very laid back and relaxed - just the way that Colin and Iona wanted it. The venue was the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin, and despite the rain which greeted us on the morning of the wedding, the skies cleared and the sun came out as if on cue in time for the ceremony. Iona looked stunning as she was walked up to beautiful grounds at the rear of the hotel by her 'bairns', meanwhile Colin was literally shaking like a leaf and trying desparately to contain the emotion that was welling up from within. Once the two of them were standing side by side the nerves settled and the vows began. Any remaining pressure was broken completely when asked to produce the wedding rings, I placed Skull and Crossbones and Horses Head rings onto the silk cusion for the Registrar to offer over to the Bride and Groom! After a moment of complete shock and disbelief, and me saying to Colin "are these not the right rings?" - to which he simply replied "er, no"!! Realisation then quickly dawned, and a welcome chuckle and light relief rippled through everyone. The rest of the ceremony played through and we then retired for the formal photographs and eventually up for dinner. I had the pleasure of saying a few kind words after dinner, despite Colin's assurances that I didn't have to get up and say anything! (Come on, who in their right mind would give up such an opportunity.) With formalities duly dispatched, the entourage then headed up to New Elgin Hall for the live band and also to devour the thirty or so quiches and plates of sandwiches previously prepared!! The night wouldn't have been complete without an impromtu performance by Colin's band as they rocked out a few numbers to the guests - very cool :-)
Overall a totally cool few days and some truely great memories - glad we had so many cameras there to capture the moments. We love you guys - enjoy the photos! A&S xx
