David Craig and Clarita de Quiroz romantically met each other by accident in the middle of a storm on a train almost five years ago. They exchanged numbers on that day and became friends for a few years until they realised that it wasn’t enough for them.

On January 28th 2006, David came back from Dubai with an engagement ring that he’d bought on Christmas vacation, and popped the question in the Norwood Hall Restaurant in Aberdeen over dinner. Clarita could not resist the offer and immediately said “yes”.

The Wedding Day
Dundas Castle, South Queensferry, Edinburgh

It was actually a very miserable day in Glasgow when I woke up on my wedding day, said Clarita, but I didn’t let that dishearten me; this was my day and it was going to be perfect with or without sunshine.

Tracey Devine from Angels Hairdressing had come all the way down from Aberdeen with make up artist Lindsay. However, I realised that I had left my tiara at the Castle so I panicked! The hair couldn’t be completed without the tiara, but not to worry, Stuart McGhee my sister’s fiancé came to my rescue by going to collect my Tiara! Luckily and thankfully he managed to get hold of the tiara and deliver it on time.

As we approached Dundas Castle, the weather was now glorious. I was delighted! My father Robert and my step mother Soraya escorted me to the bridal preparation room where I was greeted by my lovely bridesmaids Louise MacDonald, Ritu Millar and Leila Craig.

I had chosen a gold silk dress which weighed approx two stone, but felt wonderful on. The bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning. Their dresses were designed by Elaine Fashions and were perfect. My lovely husband to be had kindly sent through a beautiful bouquet of flowers accompanied with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne (my favourite) which helped ease the nerves! whilst we all got ready.

As I arrived to the Auld Keep (within the castle) where the ceremony would be held, I took a long deep breath before I entered the room, and gradually proceeded to walk down the aisle. I was delighted to see David’s face filled with joy as he saw me for the first time in my wedding gown.

The ceremony was stunning and looking around the room, I was surrounded with people from all over the globe that I hadn’t seen in years. It was also enhanced by two great readings by my Uncle Herve as well as Mary Beth who had come from America. Most of my family members had come from the Middle East, Canada and Holland. A very international event! David had guests from Trinidad, America, and London.

Now as Mr & Mrs Craig, we were looking forward to a much deserved relaxed meal and drink. The floral arrangements in the venue were absolutely stunning, deep red calla lilies. Our cake was from Cakes by Design a delicious three tier cake, fruit, carrot and chocolate, with ivory piping, gold ribbon and red calla lilies.

The wedding speeches were very memorable. My father had written the most beautiful speech I’d ever heard. I don’t think there was a second where I didn’t cry throughout it. David had actually prepared something! I was panicking that he was going to ‘wing it’ as he usually does, but he also had planned a beautiful speech. Last but certainly not least, the Best Man Derek Reeley had the room in fits of laughter. He’d even prepared props and visual aids to further embarrass David.

The remainder of the evening was a room filled with happy guests dancing the night away. Of course, with me being a singer and pianist, I had to steal some of the lime light and did a little performance for David and the guests. Apparently it is bad luck to sing at your wedding, but I believe that you make your own luck and there was nothing to keep me away from that piano and microphone.

All in all, one perfect day! Dundas Castle provided an excellent service and ensured everything was perfect. All the hard work had paid off and we have some beautiful pictures to treasure forever thanks to Malcolm Duckworth. I would like to say a big thank you to Bev from Cakes by Design, Linda and everyone at Dedicated to Weddings for all the advice and help that they provided us for the wedding. We would have been lost without them!