Kings College Chapel, Aberdeen was chosen as the venue as it is located in the heart of the University Campus where both Harry & Sarah studied. It was the perfect choice because of its surroundings, location and beautiful architecture. Also, it is located only a stone throw away from the historic Elphinstone Hall, which acted as the dramatic venue for the reception.
Full military uniform was worn by friends and family serving in all three services along with traditional Scottish Kilts and formal tails worn by the ushers and the father of the bride. A classic look complemented the uniforms, with a cherry red, gold and white colour scheme used throughout.
The bride looked stunning in an Alfred Angelo dress which was purchased in Houston, Texas. The two bridesmaids, best friend Nat and Harry’s sister Susan were beautiful in full length cherry red dresses, as were the six nieces and two junior bridesmaids in co-ordinating dresses.
“Getting ready was so much fun” said Sarah, I got ready in my parents hotel suite with my mum, sisters and bridesmaids. It was a really special time catching up, whilst enjoying champagne and getting our make-up done by the talented girls from Preen. Susan, my bridesmaid styled my hair which I was really pleased with.
I arrived at the chapel in a metallic silver beauford touring car. Since the weather was so glorious on the day, we were able to put the roof down and my Dad and I made the most of the drive through Old Aberdeen.
When I first arrived at the chapel my breath was taken away by how beautiful it looked with the light pouring in through the stunning stained glass windows above the alter. My flower girls led the way up the aisle followed by my bridesmaids, to Trumpet Voluntary played by the university organist. I was then piped into the chapel and up the aisle by Jeff Lawson, on the arm of my proud father, Richard, who was grinning from ear to ear. As I approached the alter I could see how handsome Harry looked and I felt so lucky that in a short time he was going to be my husband. A beautiful service was conducted by Rev Michael Crawford. We then exchanged our stunning custom made platinum rings and became man & wife. We signed the register to the beautiful sound of my close school friend Sharon Moron singing the Ave Maria. Guests were invited to leave the chapel as we posed for a couple of photographs, and then witnessed us walk out of the church through a guard of honour performed by four members of Harry’s Regiment in the Royal Artillery and two members of his platoon from Sandhurst who are currently serving in the Army Air Corps. The guard of honour represents safe guarded transition from our single lives into married life and was performed magnificently.
After leaving the ceremony under a ceremonial sword arch, the guests headed to the beautiful Linklater rooms for the drinks reception. Champagne was served with a delicious chocolate fountain before everyone sat down for the wedding breakfast in Elphinstone Hall.
Tables were decorated with tall black candelabras draped with ivy and for each guest there were favours of Scottish tablet wrapped in white paper and tied with gold ribbon. We had gold chocolate pebbles scattered on the tables and white chair covers tied with beautiful gold bows to carry on the theme.
We chose to have the speeches before the meal so no one would be too nervous to enjoy the food. My dad, Richard and Harry had many guests in tears when they gave their speeches. The best man, Will’s, speech lived up to all of the expectations for wit and humour. Special messages arrived from many including members of the Scottish Rugby team who also sent us a signed rugby shirt and words of support when Harry was serving his country in Iraq.
Elphinstone Hall staff and the male members of the bridal party transformed the hall for the evening by decorating the chairs with covers and bows. Everyone commented on how beautiful the room looked. The meal itself was exquisite, the wine flowed all night and everyone had a truly memorable evening.
Bev from Cakes by Design made our fabulous three tier white cake with white roses, gold ribbon flowing down the cake from the top along with ivy and a design in icing of the Celtic knot dusted in gold. The first tier was rich fruitcake, the second tier was carrot cake and third was a sponge. We also had a special wedding cake made of cheese. Harry’s parents designed the cake which we served in the evening with Port and biscuits.
After we cut the cake we took to the floor with everyone from our top table for our unusual first dance - Strip the Willow! We chose this as our first dance as Harry and I first spoke to each other at a ball and it was when Harry asked me to dance Strip the Willow with him that our courtship really began. From that moment on we have spent every moment we can together.
SARAH LOBBAN |
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