‘There’s just something magical about Barbados – it draws you back’. So much so that Aberdeen based solicitor Kevin Davidson and nursery manager Jill chose to marry there without hesitation. It was decided within minutes of Kevin’s surprise proposal in Warsaw in July, just over 6 months earlier!

‘We didn’t want a long engagement. We had stumbled across the church, beautifully located on a cliff top on the Atlantic coast on a day trip round the island the year before. The views were breathtaking – rocky, dramatic scenery with waves crashing off the cliff side some drop below and a cool breeze in the air. We had ventured inside to a mutual sense of shivers, not that either of us mentioned it at the time!’

The wedding was so easy to organise via the phone and internet. On arrival all that remained to do was finalise the finer details, flowers, cars, meeting the photographer and choosing the menu… not to forget the marriage licence! Arriving a week before the ceremony allowed time for this and plenty time to relax in the sun accompanied by their closest family – a wedding party of nine, just the right number for an intimate ceremony and celebration.

The reception meal was held at ‘Sandy Lane’, a beautiful venue located on the West (Caribbean) coast. In stark contrast the sand is powder fine, the waves gently sweeping over the perfectly manicured beach. A romantic setting where the couple also spent their honeymoon night.

On their return home the newlyweds hosted a meal and after party at ‘The Forum’.

The ‘after party’ as it was titled was held on a dull, dreary Aberdeen Saturday night. The dress code was ‘Bright and Colourful’ to inject a bit of must needed colour into the night! The rainbow of colours certainly seemed to lift the mood!
‘We really wanted to stay away from the typical evening type reception and have a PARTY!

Close family and friends were invited to attend a meal (110 people) and a further 200 to dance the night away. It was the ideal venue – a blank canvas to recreate a Caribbean theme. The venue was dressed in vivid pink and orange awash with tropical flowers and featuring a Caribbean inspired menu. As Kevin and Jill wanted their guests to feel part of the wedding on arrival they were seated and offered ‘Bellini’s’ a Caribbean cocktail of Champagne and peach juice and then they proceeded to show footage of the ceremony in Barbados on a big screen. As they were seen to walk out of the church in Barbados they entered the Forum dressed in the same attire led by a piper, for a touch of Scotland!

‘We got the best of both worlds this way; it was like doing it all twice!’

The themed menu followed speeches including renditions by the Bride and Best Woman! After cutting the cake when all the evening guests arrived, the couple took to the dance floor for the most untraditional first dance! They began gliding lovingly to David Gray’s ‘Sail Away’ before a dramatic lighting change and ‘Don’t Feel like Dancing’ by The Scissor Sisters shocked onlookers! This set the scene for the party atmosphere which included limbo dancing and a Caribbean inspired chocolate fountain!

As the weather was very humid in Barbados Jill opted for a sleek up hairdo with pinned fresh orchids. The after party allowed her the opportunity to wear a different style and tiara.