Clare and Craig - The Proposal

Photographer: Lloyd Smith (07764 226435/ lloyd.photo@virgin.net)

The Couple

Clare and Craig first met when they were students, but lost touch for 15 years. It wasn’t until a chance meeting in Glasgow, and another a period apart while Clare went travelling, that they finally got together. “When I returned I started working at the same company as Craig and eventually, after about four months, he plucked up the courage to ask me on date,” says Clare. “Craig proposed in an Edinburgh hotel – in front of my parents, while we were celebrating my dad’s birthday. I was totally surprised, there were tears all round and I said ‘yes’ without a second thought,” adds Clare.

Clare and Craig - The Venue

The Venue

The couple chose the stunningly atmospheric Ross Priory for their big day. “We fell in love with it straightaway,” adds Clare. “It’s such a romantic and secluded setting.” And the theme was ‘a red, red rose’, inspired by the title of a Robert Burns’ poem. “The bridesmaids wore deep-red dresses, the stationery was illustrated with an understated red rose design and all the flowers in the bouquet, buttonholes and table decorations tied in with the theme,” says Clare.

Clare and Craig - The Outfits

The Outfits

Clare’s ivory satin Pronuptia dress included an intricately beaded and embroidered bodice and A-line skirt. Craig donned full Highland dress and Clare’s three bridesmaids - two of her best friends and her sister - all wore full-length red dresses from Debenhams. Goddaughter Georgia was flower girl and looked angelic in a white dress, also from Debenhams.

Clare and Craig - The Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows in a room overlooking Loch Lomond on a beautiful, cold and still winter’s day. “It was very romantic and elegant – and we included a few special touches including a reading of ‘My luve is like a red, red rose’ by Robert Burns and an opera singer sang Ave Maria during the signing of the register,” says Clare.

“It was as if I was floating on air for the whole ceremony and I felt the happiest I have ever felt in my entire life,” says Clare.

Clare and Craig - The Flowers

The Flowers

Flowers for the day, arranged by Melody at Ribbons and Roses (01389 731470) followed the couple’s red theme. “My bouquet included red Grand Prix roses with thistles and hypericum berries, which were also used in the button holes and to decorate our cake. We also placed tall vases of red roses, plus red rose petals on all the tables,” says Clare.

Clare and Craig - The Reception

The Reception

After a drinks reception and canapés, the guests sat down to a meal that included carrot, honey and coriander soup, roast sirloin of Scottish beef and soft chocolate cake. The couple’s gorgeous sponge and fruitcake, a gift from their chief bridesmaid, was topped off with a miniature bride and groom with an uncanny likeliness.

The couple’s first dance was to ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson and afterwards ceilidh band Hell For Leather (01389 729 442) entertained everyone until midnight. Clare won’t ever forget her amazing day – “I felt like the luckiest girl on the planet,” she says.