Our Amazing Scottish Wedding Day 1st Jan 2020

Awake from about 7.00am we had a simple breakfast of tea and toast, I got the message above from my daughter in Australia on my phone and then it was GAME ON!

I had borrowed a pearl and crystal bracelet from her that I had bought for her to wear at her wedding for my "something borrowed" and so I could have "her" with me on the day.

Helping Vince to get dressed into his Highland Outfit of a McLeod Tartan Kilt and flashes, with a Bonnie Prince Charlie waistcoat and jacket, dress shirt and cravat (we used the cufflinks from our original wedding in Australia. Then lacing up his highland brogues and attaching his belt, sporran and chains. He certainly looked the part. With him dressed he was banished downstairs so I could get ready without him seeing.

Before long, it was about 10.15am and I heard Penny, our photographer (Penny Hardie Photography), arrive and she came upstairs with a special gift - a make-up setting spray to keep things in place in the extreme Skye weather. She took some pictures upstairs of me getting ready and a few detail shots before going back downstairs. As she did I heard Davina (Davina McCluskie of Scottish Highland Weddings), our Celebrant, arrive and she came upstairs to help zip me up. Before long I saw another car pull up from my upstairs bedroom window at Willie McLeod’s House, it was Alan MacKenzie, our piper from the Portree Pipe Band.

The wedding was at 11.00am, and a little before Penny suggested we do a “First Look” photo, as the weather outside was so wild and windy that I risked looking like I’d been pulled backwards through a hedge for Vince’s first view of his bride! So all was put in readiness as I was called downstairs, and then stood behind Vince waiting for him to be told to turn around - his face looked impressed! Mike later told me when he first saw me he thought Game of Thrones had come to life and I was the Mother of Dragons!

Then everyone went outside and I waited to be called out. Aad was at the door to escort me down to the tree outside (which we thought was a Rowan Tree - its NOT) where we would hold the ceremony. The Rowan Tree has a long, sacred history. Since ancient times people have been planting a Rowan beside their home as in Celtic mythology it's known as the “Tree of Life” and symbolises courage, wisdom and protection.

The piper played the Skye Boat Song (which is of family significance) as we proceeded down to meet the others already waiting at the tree.

The ceremony was beautiful, a repeat of our original wedding in Perth on 1.1.2015, but with the inclusion of some Scottish traditions such as the “Set in Stone” ceremony, a “Handfasting” including a new Scottish wedding ring based on Claire’s ring from “Outlander” and the “Quaiche” ceremony! Davina McCluskie, of Scottish Highland Weddings, did a beautiful job and I cried as I said my vows to my best friend!

Afterwards, Vince did the “Scramble” with some Australian silver coins, and Aad and Mike through yellow rose petals over us.

It all went like clockwork, and thankfully, although it was cold and windy, the rain held off.

Back inside we popped the French Champagne and cut our 2 tier wedding cake with a Highland Cow bride and groom topper, and a little dragon fly on it. Vince insisted on using the Dirk to cut the cake! Fiona McKinnon, of Highland Cakes made it and it was perfect!

Davina told us she had another wedding to go to at the Faery Glen, so we high tailed it out of there to get to the Faery Glen for some photos before hand. But not before a quick red phone box stop at the end of our road. In the rush Vince and I left some things behind, his medication, my fox fur and my camera! Thankfully we stopped the boys behind us and sent them back for my fur otherwise I would have frozen!!!

We went a different way up to the Faery Glen this time and I was able to make it, so it was super special that my first proper look at it was on my Scottish Wedding Day - very special. We got some Epic iconic shots there before all heading off for the hour or so drive down to Sligachan Waterfalls - were we again got amazing shots, and thankfully the rain still held off for us, then finally onto the Sligachan bridge (but we forgot to throw in our key!). It was an amazing day and the hours just flew by as darkness fell, we said our farewells to Penny and headed to the Skeabost Hotel where we were having our reception dinner in the Lake View Restaurant.

This is a link to a little video Penny made for us of the day - it will give you the flavour of what went on....

https://animoto.com/play/DZu70I5QzR1q59GM02OFTQ

Vince and I checked into the Stuart Suite (No 7) on the first floor of this beautiful old worldly building whilst Aad and Mike waited in the lounge by the fire. We met them downstairs and we all went into the Whiskey Bar for a few hours as it was only 4.30pm and we had to wait until 6.30pm when the restaurant opened. We chatted and had a few drinks enjoying each others company. I had a couple of glasses of Moet Chandon but Vince stuck to his Dalwhinnie Gold scotch.

Dinner was delicious, and we even had room for desert - Sticky Toffee Pudding with Pistachio ice cream - it was to die for! Between courses, Aad gave his Best Man speak which was very touching.

Around 8.30pm we said good-night to the boys as they headed home to Willie McLeods and Vince and I retired upstairs to our very posh and comfortable room. What an amazing day we had!