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Bride: Denise McIntosh
Groom: Nicholas Craib
Date of wedding: 31st December 2009
Venue of wedding ceremony: St. Palladius Episcopal Church
Venue of wedding reception: Drumtochty Castle
Wedding dress: Gwen Russell Wedding Couture
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Perfect Bridal Rooms
Groom’s outfit: Georgian Dress Hire
Hair and Make-up: Julie Sangster at Riah Hair and Beauty
Photographer: Deeside Photography
Videographer: Mark Stuart Video
Flowers: Hay’s Flowers
Cake: A wonderful gift from a family friend
Rings and Jewellery: Finnies
Catering: Harry Fraser Catering
Entertainment: Elite Promotions
Cars: CarsbyBooth
When did you start planning the wedding and what did you book first?
Having got engaged in December 2007, we started planning in January 2008. Drumtochty Castle was the first and only venue we looked at. We viewed it in February when there was still snow everywhere. I fell in love with the place on seeing first St Palladius and then the castle covered in snow. It all looked so magical. The castle was perfect for us as we wanted somewhere that would provide luxury as well as exclusivity. I’d always wanted a winter wedding and on hearing that the castle was free for Hogmanay 2009, we booked it. As Nicholas and I both had friends and family travelling from all over the globe (China, Australia, Canada, to name but a few), we felt that having everyone we loved together for a few days would make the wedding even more special. A Scottish wedding on Hogmanay in a castle would be a new experience for all of our guests.
How did you choose the ceremony and why?
Our ceremony was very kindly conducted by Reverend Bob Brown (formally of Queens Cross Church, Aberdeen) who has been a good friend of Nicholas’s father for many years. It was special to us to have someone marry us whom we knew and felt comfortable with. The service was lovely and personal. Bob gave us lots of good advice, both before and during the service. St Palladius looked phenomenal covered in snow. Inside, the candles and beautiful stained glass, made it so cosy and romantic. It was perfect.
Were there any particularly memorable moments in the lead-up to the wedding or on the day itself?
I can honestly say that I loved every minute of it. Planning everything with Nicholas’s help was great fun. Although at times it was stressful (December especially), I’m glad I took time to appreciate it and to enjoy the feeling of anticipation. Having Christmas so close to the wedding day was brilliant. With all our friends and family around from the 25th meant all the last-minute preparations were shared and were good fun. I loved the night before the wedding when we had organised a meal and casino for our guests. However if I’m honest, and I’m sure Nicholas feels the same, the best part of that evening was just spending time with everyone, knowing that all the wedding arrangements had been completed. Sitting in the hot tub with my friends and a bottle of champagne was one of the highlights, although it was a little disconcerting being outside with loads of snow everywhere!
Are there any people or suppliers you feel deserve a particular mention?
All of our suppliers were professional and braved the snow and awful weather conditions and gave us excellent service. Logan and his team from Deeside Photography put us at ease and kept everyone laughing. They have given us some incredible reminders of our day, the photos are just extraordinary. However special thanks must go to Ewan of Drumtochty Castle. He made the whole wedding run smoothly, anticipating problems before they occurred and always finding a solution. He made sure all our guests felt at home, and was, quite simply, wonderful!
Competitions
21cc Fireworks are offering a couple the chance to win £1,000 worth of their products and services. One lucky runner-up will win £250 worth of 21cc Fireworks products ... ... (more)
Win dinner, bed, breakfast and champagne at the 4 star Norwood Hall hotel in Aberdeen .. ... (more)In This Issue
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Amber Bell spoke with new bride Stephanie Napier about her winged wedding to Raymond Watson at Ardoe House Hotel and her thoughts on blue double-decker buses and no flowers. ... (more)