I’m thrilled to share the enchanting story of Mark and Nicole’s special day. On November 7th, 2020, they exchanged vows in a picturesque bandstand at Duthie Park in Aberdeen, Scotland. Despite its compact nature, their wedding was bursting with love, joy, and romance. The autumnal setting only added to the magic, with stunning floral arrangements surrounding the bandstand. The happy couple’s stylish attire was the perfect finishing touch. As I delve into this delightful wedding, I’m confident you’ll be swept away by its charm.
Bandstand Wedding
The Proposal
It was December 2018 and Mark had planned the perfect proposal for me during our annual Christmas trip to Edinburgh with our daughter Penny. Our family tradition has turned this city into a special place for us over the years. As we were preparing to head out of the hotel, Penny handed me a card that I initially thought was just a congratulatory message after submitting my university semester work. But little did I know, it was Mark’s heartfelt request to marry me! We decided to mark the occasion with some M&Ms cocktails on the Princes Street Ferris wheel, but things didn’t quite go as planned. After one loop around, I got a bit overwhelmed by the height and we had to cut our celebration short. Looking back, it was a hilarious and memorable moment, even if it wasn’t exactly the magical experience we had envisioned.
The Vision
Originally, our wedding plans envisioned a lush display of flowers and vibrant colors at the David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park. When circumstances forced us to reassess our strategy due to the pandemic’s impact, we aimed to transport that same aesthetic outdoors to the picturesque band stand in Duthie Park, bringing the original vision full circle.
The Venue
Your Outfits
Mark’s choice to opt for a suit instead of a kilt stemmed from a desire to feel more comfortable in his attire. He opted for a Lambretta suit from Slaters in Aberdeen, pairing it with a shirt and accessories from H&M. On the other hand, I faced a challenge finding the perfect dress, but my online gamble paid off when I discovered Needle & Thread. The addition of a sash, which was originally worn by my sister on her wedding day, brought the look together. Meanwhile, Penny’s outfit consisted of a tutu from Six Stories Bridal, paired with Kickers boots and a jacket from H&M.
The Ceremony & Music
The decision to hold the ceremony outdoors was a calculated risk, but it ultimately paid off as I felt my heart racing with excitement, rather than the chill in the air. A particularly memorable moment came when I arrived at the ceremony with my dad behind the wheel of his meticulously refurbished and rebuilt Austin Healey – an impressive feat that he had undertaken himself. The vintage car added a touch of elegance to the proceedings.As I made my way down the aisle, the sounds of Yazoo’s ‘Only You’ filled the air, accompanied by the poignant lyrics that still resonate with me today. Following our exchange of vows, we signed the register as See Downes & Lovebirds, their song ‘Want You in My Soul’ serving as a testament to the depth of our connection.As newlyweds, Mark and I walked hand-in-hand down the aisle once more, this time to the haunting melody of The Waterboys’ ‘The Whole of the Moon’. This choice was no coincidence, as music has played a significant role in our lives together. Each of these songs serves as a timestamp, reminding us of pivotal moments throughout our relationship and the journey that brought us to this moment.
Your Photographer
The Styling & Decor
Memorable Moments
As I caught sight of Mark, he was standing alongside our daughter Penny, a warm smile spreading across his face as they shared a tender moment together.