Here comes the bride
A modest wedding had been the plan but the event turned out to be a huge Fairytale Wedding. Thanks to months of secretive planning by the Dedicated 2 Weddings team and wedding co-ordinator Sherida Bain of 20Five Eight. Local companies came together to provide various surprises to show their appreciation for all the charity work that Amanda-Jane Taylor Miss Commonwealth Scotland undertakes so willingly.
Amanda- Jane arrived at Chapel of Garioch Parish Church in a stylish Beauford Touring Car from Elegant Beau Cars especially driven by a smart uniformed chauffer. She stepped out wearing a stunning dress emblazed with diamantes and embroidery with a cathedral train and was accessorised with a swarovski crystal tiara, veil and elegant shoes from La’ Orr Boutique.
The bridesmaids and Amanda’s mother arrived in a stretch Limo all looking radiant. The bridesmaid’s outfits and accessory also from La’Orr Boutique and hair by Anjools.
On her arrival Amanda-Jane was piped into church by Neil John Robertson. Amanda-Jane’s father Eric proudly walked her down the isle to join her dashing groom Mark who was anxiously awaiting her arrival. Mark, Dad, the best man and ushers were dressed in full highland dress.
The church had been decorated in the most gorgeous floral displays by WoW Floral Designs. Candles burnt at the alter and in the windows surrounded by flowers making it such a perfect setting for their special day. A beautiful service was conducted by Rev. Kim Cran. Rings placed on their fingers they became man & wife and signed the register to the beautiful sound of soprano singer Lisa Moffat singing an Eriskay Love lilt.
Guests had travelled from all over and even Marks Grandmother had made the special trip all the way from Florida. “A day she would not have missed”
Amanda’s bouquet from Wow Florist perfectly matched the bridesmaids’ dresses. The close tight posy of Milano rose and silver eucalyptus was studded with diamante. The bridesmaids’ bouquets complemented Amanda’s with softer Candy Pink and Bianca Ivory roses and to retain the Scottish element they were interspersed with Eryngium thistles.
The Reception
Wow was Amanda and her guest’s reaction on arrival at Pittodrie House Hotel. This is one of Scotland’s most historic and picturesque hotels set in acres of country estate and nestled at the foot of Bennachie. Stunning views and impeccable service ensured this was the most perfect day in every way.
The ballroom looked wonderful. Jules from WoW Floral Designs supplied tall silver candelabras to dress the tables; the flowers included the same Ivory Rose as in the bridesmaid’s bouquets, Eucalyptus from Amanda’s bouquet, silver Eryngium thistles and white Pompeii Oriental Lilies. These beautiful arrangements were topped with silver candles. Finally, each setting was finished off with an individual Eryngium placed neatly in the napkin alongside the menus and place cards supplied by Lisa from Aperture. Amanda really wanted her day to sparkle and Jules certainly did achieve a true Scottish fairytale theme. PMG Event Consultants, linen specialist supplied all the chair covers and silver bows.
After a champagne reception on arrival and enjoying some romantic classical music by David Bracegirdle all relaxed the guests applauded as the bride & groom Mr and Mrs Slatter were piped into the ballroom to join them for a first class meal impeccably serviced. The wine flowed and all had an enjoyable time.
Speeches and Cutting of the Cake
Kelly of Cults was Amanda’s choice for the cake as this was where her Mother and Father purchased their cake when marrying in February 1976. Still living locally her parents fully recommended Kelly’s for their quality and first class service. Amanda’s choice was a 3 tier white cake with cerise roses, silver zig- zag ribbon and sprinkled with disc violet glitter. The first tier was rich fruit cake and the 2nd and 3rd was madeira sponge. Ensuring nothing went to waste one of the tiers was sent to Roxburgh House.
Mother of the Bride Julie, dressed in a elegant 3 piece Italian Ann Balon suit purchased from B’S Knees looked stunning as she stood to do a speech on behalf of Amanda’s father Eric and herself. It was such a moving speech thanking all family and friends who had came to help celebrate Amanda and Mark’s wedding remembering and toasting special people close to their heart who were unable to attend. Her speech ended with – “I will add finally that Amanda-Jane, our beautiful daughter has from the minute she was born been a delight to have and to know, and that our daughter has found a wonderful, patient and caring husband who has supported Amanda throughout all her success and we believe will be an asset to our family, a wonderful son in law and of course a very handy plumber to boot.………………………………………”
The Best Man’s speech pointed out when Mark and himself were on holiday, after a heavy night were ‘resting’ when Mark spotted this beautiful girl at the poolside. Michael told him to go back to sleep as he had no chance. However Michael was wrong and Mark and Amanda-Jane got together and maintained the courtship by travelling from Cambridge to Aberdeen on a regular basis, even taking on two jobs to do so. As things became more serious he gave up his job and travelled to Aberdeen to be with Amanda-Jane.
Mark’s speech was very well conducted with the well known opening, On behalf of my wife and I….
Special messages arrived from many including Sir Alex Ferguson and the Lord & Lady Provost, John and Helen Reynolds.
Entertainment
The evening entertainment began with the grand march and then Amanda-Jane & Mark was handed a wedding rod to burst the large balloon in the centre of the room showering them and their guests with confetti. The first dance was to Bryan Adams – Everything I do.
Frank Thomson & Company played ceilidh and country dance music to commence the evening with a true Scottish theme. All took to the floor dancing to the gay gordons and eightsome reels. Stacie and Briony two lovely lassies gave highland dance demonstrations to delight of all the guests especially those outwith Scotland that warmly applauded the girls in their magnificent highland dress.
The Disco for the night was provided by Elite Promotions and the DJ Neil Milne complimented the band brilliantly. He acted as compere throughout the entire evening and was always ready with a bit of ‘banter’, or coming up with an appropriate piece of music at various times during the night.
A Spectacular break in the evening was when Amanda-Jane and Mark along with guests were requested to step outside. Unknown to them Mark from Fireworx Scotland put on a magnificent display. The sky was ablaze with all colours and sounds, even fireworks that exploded into hearts. Everyone loves a firework display and the dazzling finale is one that won’t be forgotten. Fully recommended by Mark, Amanda-Jane and all guests!
One last surprise was yet to come - Neil the DJ requested attention for one more special surprise. Amanda-Jane walked over, took the microphone and serenaded her new husband by signing Hero by Mariah Carey. There was not a dry eye in the ballroom.
Stationery and Favours
When it came to choosing her stationery Amanda wasn’t quite sure what she wanted. Although she saw some wonderful designs in the ready made collections there hadn’t been anything that truly reflected the theme of the wedding.
That’s when 20five Eight suggested that she have something designed uniquely for her. Together they put together a brief that was sent out to several stationery designers. The brief included the fairytale princess concept, the colour themes, an element of sparkle and with Amanda-Jane, Miss Commonwealth Scotland and the face of Thistle and Broom to also include the Scottish emblem.
Amanda also wanted the range to cover not only invitations but also Menus, Order of Services, Table plans and Place cards.
When the samples arrived, Amanda was delighted, ‘they were all so different, some were modern, some traditional, some very elaborate, some minimal. It was so hard to choose’ However, one design by Lisa Stevenson of Aperture did tick all the boxes, a unique and professional outlook. The design with the thistle image against the coloured background and with the 3 diamante beads was the one that stood out. The winning design reflected Amanda’s personality.
As well as providing the complete stationery requirements Aperture also designed rsvp post cards to compliment the ranges and of course to make it easier for Amanda and her mum when the invited guests promptly replied.
A wee dram of whisky was a must for the men kept cosy in their own tartan jacket and a pot of heather (from D2 Marketing) for the ladies. The mother of the bride got it just right – here is a quote from her speech:
“It is customary to give all guests a little token in the way of a favor. We thought long and hard about this and wanted to keep the theme Scottish as well as have some sort of lasting message.
Whisky signifies warmth, strength and good health and matures with age. All the things we wish for in a good marriage.
The heather signifies good luck and good fortune and if nourished and cared for will grow stronger, just like Mark and Amanda’s life together”.
Quartz Photography
Graham Miller from Quartz Photography was with Amanda- Jane and Mark all the way. From the Hen and Stag night, pamper day to getting ready on the day he captured every moment and emotion. With over 20 years experience rain on the day didn’t deter his enthusiasm. He just reorganised indoor shots. Graham offers a first class service ensuring every little detail is taken care off. Taking time to discuss with the couple all their requirements for the special day including wedding albums and Portraits.
Captured for ever
Simple wedding video ensure they capture your special day….
Amanda-Jane and Mark were confident that the experienced videographers from Simple wedding video would capture the ‘magic’ of their special day. Prior to the wedding they discussed who and what was to be captured. They filmed and edited from beginning to end from arriving at the church to fireworks in the evening. They were very discreet but didn’t miss a thing.
“Unfortunately memories do fade, but Quartz Photography and Simple Wedding Video will ensure they stay with us forever”. Quoted by Amanda-Jane and Mark
Amanda Jane’s wedding was absolutely faultless and the bride was first to admit that the careful planning and attention to detail from Sherida Bain at 20five Eight was what guaranteed this.
When Amanda first announced her engagement she was bewildered by the amount of organising that lay ahead and the huge selection of suppliers. She knew that with her modelling, charity commitments and full time job that planning her own wedding would be almost an impossible task and she would need a wedding coordinator. 20five Eight were approached to coordinate the complete event ‘We were delighted that Amanda choose 20five Eight and felt comfortable with our approach, ideas and attention to detail’
Amanda and Dedicated 2 Weddings magazine decided that 20five Eight should be involved with everything. Handling all elements, managing everything, including meetings with suppliers and finances, taking all the pressure off Amanda. Something that Amanda would strongly recommend to any busy bride.
The Scottish Fairytale Princess theme was quickly established and this ran throughout. Although her dress remained a secret, sparkles, silver, thistles and shades of pink subtly reflected in everything including flowers, stationery, favours and the decoration of the church and ballroom at Pittodrie House Hotel. It really was a fairytale wedding.
Looking back Amanda claimed she was so relaxed during the weeks building up to the wedding and on the Big day Mark and herself had nothing to get stressed about and were able to enjoy being with their families and friends. Everything was wonderful a perfect day with many magical memories, all thanks to fairy godmother Sherida at 20five Eight.
Deciding to help arrange and cover Amanda-Jane and Marks Wedding was not a hard decision. For a lady that has done so much for charity she deserves to be given something in return. A fairytale wedding was easy to arrange, without I may add, a magic wand, as I had everything right here on my doorstep. Sherida from 20FiveEight and dedicated local businesses that came together helping us achieve everything we wished for the happy couple. Every girl should feel special on her wedding day.
Without a Hitch
“We can’t believe what has happened today, it is absolutely amazing and we can’t find the words to thank everyone enough. All local businesses that provided so many gifts and surprises and to everyone involved you made this our true fairytale wedding, it really has been a day we will never forget, with surprises and delights all around.
Heart felt thanks to all”
Mr & Mrs Slatter. |
