This is the story of what happened when Cleopatra met a guy in a Christmas jumper.

Justin and Nicola were brought together by pole dancing.

Well not quite: Justin had just moved to Swindon where he worked with Jo who taught pole fitness and Nicola was one of her pupils. They met at Jo’s Christmas fancy dress party where Nicola innocently upped the ante by placing her hand on Justin’s knee…

Justin decided to take Nicola to the movies for their first date and he thoughtfully chose a film he’d heard was popular with the ladies. As he hadn’t watched the trailer or read the reviews, it came as something of a surprise to him that 50 Shades of Grey wasn’t a documentary about Farrow & Ball.

After surviving some misadventures on ice and a high-octane introduction to the world of Motors Sports, they decided to get married here in Scotland. Of course once they saw Carlowrie Castle, their future was sealed.

It was a very personal ceremony. After they spoke their vows and exchanged rings,

I conducted a traditional hand fasting ceremony using Brodie and Campbell tartans before sending them off to have a fabulous party with all of their guests.

But not before Stuart Wood of 1500 Photography had grabbed them to take these stunning wedding portraits surrounded by the colours of autumn.

I really enjoyed being a part of their big day, so I was delighted to get an email from Nicola and Justin this morning.

We are enjoying married life and looking back on the day, we have some great memories and still can’t thank you enough for being part of our day.  Everyone who we’ve spoken too all say you were the perfect choice to officiate our ceremony.  We had some lovely comments including “It was the most unique wedding I have ever been to” and people are still giggling about how you introduced the humanist ceremony by talking about going outside and having a human sacrifice.  This was all caught on the 3D camera and you do it so well, keeping composure; brilliant!

From the outset, we didn’t want a traditional wedding.  The effort going through the homework lead us to consider the tone we wanted to flow through the whole day; from the personal and unique ceremony; to the surprise flash-mob, with the performers sitting amongst our other guests, which was a complete secret and surprise to everyone.  

We’ve thought about if/how we would have changed anything; we have not come up with a single thing.  We both loved the day from start to finish; and being surrounded by all the important people in our lives.  Thank you so much for being part of our day.  We fondly find ourselves saying to each other what we can remember from the ceremony and vows.

Wishing you a very happy New Year! Kind regards, Justin & Nicola

No need to thank me, Nicola & Justin! I loved your ceremony and I’m just glad you asked me to deliver it for you! Thanks again and thanks to 1500 Photography for the great shots!