Fiona and Gavin’s Humanist Wedding at the Ghillie Dhu

Not every love story is romantic, but I think that’s a good thing!


Fiona and Gavin first met in the thoroughly unromantic setting of the staff base of a Manchester hospital. Their next encounter was at a staff meal. Fiona was the only girl to finish hers, which prompted Gavin to say, “I love a girl with a good appetite!” No, that wasn’t very romantic either, but Gavin was spot on!



 Things warmed up a bit when he cooked her dinner (in his spotless kitchen) but the romance didn’t get real until Fiona spotted him buying salted popcorn (her favourite) rather than sweet, (his favourite).


That was when she realised that that Gavin would be the man she wanted to marry!


Fast forward to the dramatic setting of The Ghillie Dhu, where Fiona’s bridesmaids were her sister Mairi, and her good friend Isla.  Gavin’s best men were his close friends Ant and Paul. 


You can see them all here, watching a great performance of Tom Odell’s song ‘Grow old with me’ by Gavin’s friend Rich on guitar & vocals. 


Yes, it did get a bit emotional when Gavin and Fiona spoke their very personal vows, but then that’s the whole point of having a humanist ceremony!


Fiona and Gavin were among the first to sponsor my night under the stars for Sleep in the Park. When they got in touch to let me know they’d made a donation, they also sent me these very kind words.


“A humanist ceremony was ideal for us as it personalised our day and meant that our ceremony was so much more special & memorable to us as a couple. 


“The time we spent making our vows to each other was the highlight as it brought the focus on why we were standing there in front of our family & friends. 



 “Having Tim conduct the ceremony meant it was meaningful and genuine without being too serious and made us feel comfortable as we knew we were in safe hands. 



 “Looking back on the day always brings a smile to our faces and we could not have imagined it any other way!”



Looking back on it now brings a smile to my face too, Fiona and Gavin! Thanks again for sponsoring me, thanks for choosing me as your celebrant, and thanks too to the talented lensman, Mr Stuart Craig for these great shots!

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