Like all great love stories, Adele & Neil’s began in the most romantic of settings; Club Tropicana, although the drinks were not actually free and the dance moves were decidedly questionable! They exchanged pleasantries, held eye contact just a fraction too long, and parted ways – entirely unaware that fate was already writing their story…

Fast-forward, and life brought them back together – not for a grand, candlelit dinner, but an adventure on the Festival Fringe.  Adele’s friend Lisa was an unintentional chaperone; she roasted Neil’s dress sense, but Adele reassured him he passed the test…

Their journey was filled with challenges as well as joy.

When Neil’s mum passed away, Adele was right there, standing beside him. And when the pandemic turned the world upside down, they found strength in each other. Through it, they built something solid and unshakeable.

Over time, their lives became even more intertwined. Neil embraced Adele’s family as his own, forming a special bond with her brother Francis and sharing laughs and music interest with her brother Joe. 

Through every moment, they chose each other. Neil describes Adele as the most caring, loving, and endlessly supportive person he’s ever known. 

Adele loves the way Neil makes her laugh even when things feel heavy, his quiet kindness, and his ability to show up for the people he loves.

That’s just a quick précis of the story I shared before I invited Adele’s great friend David to give us a traditional Irish Blessing.

To Adele & Neil, above all, marriage means trust; it means being a team and it means fun; as they said, ‘we never want to forget to keep having fun together!’

We then took a moment of quiet contemplation to remember the people who couldn’t be with us, especially Neil’s mother Helen, and Adele’s father Frank. I always encourage couples to do that at some point during the ceremony, and I think the best moment is the one Neil & Adele chose; just before The Vows. It allows your guests to join you in honouring your loved ones, and of course, it gives people of faith time to say a silent prayer.

I was very pleased when Neil and Adele told me that they were keeping their as a secret until the day. That always raises the emotional temperature, and as you can see from these great photos by my old friend Derek Christie, they had a lot of fun with them too!

Long before she sent me a link to their gorgeous gallery, Adele wrote, saying “we just wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for everything you did for us in the lead-up to the wedding and on the day itself. Your guidance and support in shaping our ceremony meant so much, and you made the whole process feel easier than we thought it would be – and fun! 

Last Saturday, you conducted the ceremony so beautifully. You brought such a calming presence, and it truly helped us soak in every moment. So many of our guests have commented on how fantastic you were, and several of our engaged friends have already been asking us for your details, which we were very happy to share!

Thank you again for playing such an important part in our day and making it so memorable.”

Memorable it surely was, Adele! You wouldn’t believe the size of the crowd of UN Lukas across the road waiting for you and Neil to make your appearance. Mind you, The Pickled Piper always draws a crowd! 🤣

Joking apart, I loved what you did and said on your wedding day. Thank you so much for choosing me as your Celebrant, and for sharing not just these wonderful photographs, but also the truth of your hearts.