Liza and Paul’s Humanist Wedding at New Lanark Mills

Do you remember the film, ‘Cabaret?’ That was when Liza Minelli first etched herself onto my consciousness, in her bowler hat and fishnet tights. And I’ve never forgotten her clever mnemonic of the correct way to pronounce her name. 

‘It’s Liza with a ‘zee’, not Lisa with an ‘s’
Cos Liza with a ‘zee’ goes ‘zzz’, not ‘sss’

Liza told me that’s how she pronounced her name too, when we first met in July 2011, and I knew I’d remember, so I didn’t make a note to remind myself. 

Fast forward a year, and I wonder if you can imagine how big a fool I felt when – right at the start of her marriage to Paul at the converted Mill at the heart of the historic conservation village of New Lanark – I called her Lisa 

Yes, that big. 

Luckily for me, she and Paul took it in their stride, as you can see from the lovely letter they sent me today.



Both Liza and myself would like to give you our warmest thanks for marrying us.  When we met with you in Edinburgh, we were immediately drawn to your warmth and humour and we both got in the car to drive home knowing that you were the man we wanted to perform our wedding ceremony.  It was a decision well made, as the ceremony went perfectly and we were both very happy with it.
 


I said to Liza that I wished she could have seen just prior to when she entered the room as you advised our guests that this was a humanist wedding and so if they looked under their seats, they would find their hoods and robes.  I swear the 90% of our guests were under the seats!  I know that my 2 oldest friends were definitely caught out.  It was a brilliantly funny moment that Liza would have loved.  
 


The way in which you got us to write our ceremony was also fantastic.  At first it seems quite daunting, however it is actually a great deal of fun and I lost count at the wedding of how many people who said how wonderful the ceremony was.  A part of this was down to yourself and we can only thank you for it.  Your advice in your blogs and your method of helping us build our ceremony is what made it what it was.  Perfect.  You may be pleased to know that many of our guests also complimented your good self and the way you presented the ceremony.
 


I have attached a few of our pictures from the wedding day as a small reminder.  We had an absolutely fabulous day and I would have absolutely no hesitation is recommending you to other couples looking for the perfect wedding ceremony.  In fact, I would insist on recommending you.

Best Wishes,

Paul and Liza Cairney

So what have I learned from Paul and Liza’s ceremony? One – make notes during the first meeting. Two – read them before setting off to the wedding! 

Seriously, though, thank you so much, Liza with a zee and Paul with a no, let’s not go there… You’ve made my day! 

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