Here is a blog from my team member Laura:

"July 13th 2024 was an overcast but warm day and as I made my way from the car I was full of joy that we were going to be outside!

The venue looked beautiful, and the chairs were laid out in a wide arch so all the guests could see the bride and groom's faces and truly feel a part of the ceremony. Matt and Kirstin my couple for today were such lovely people and I dearly wanted them to have the most wonderful day!

Matt, the Groom, was there before me and was full of nervous energy, his groomsmen were helping settle his nerves, making last minute preparations and greeting guests as they arrived. 

The North Hidden Barns were beautifully decorated ready for the wedding breakfast and party later. The couple’s young son was tottering around the venue enjoying the attention of his family, whilst the Mother of the Groom, Judy, was busy setting up the flowers and decor. A children’s corner had been set up for the little ones to play in, and a sweetie shop-style corner for guests to enjoy was also bursting with goodies! This wedding was going to be a real family affair!

The men in the Groom’s party were all wearing their family tartans and the air was filled with the skirl of bagpipes.  Matt, his groomsmen and the guests were all in their places, but Kirstin had been delayed and so Matt had a nervous wait for her! The bagpiper kept the guests entertained and was well warmed up for the entrance of the Bride, once Kirstin had arrived and was ready to go with her bridal party. The couple’s son Rory was walking her down the aisle, he started off well, but he did find all the guests watching him a bit overwhelming, unsurprising for a little man of just one year old!!

The ceremony took place in front of a beautiful big tree with a copper and floral arch framing the couple in front of their guests. I turned the couple to face their guests throughout their ceremony, so they felt connected with the friends and family who had the privilege of witnessing their ceremony. 

Both the Bride and Groom’s Mothers had readings in the ceremony. The Mother of the Bride Morag, read a poem to her daughter and The Mother of the Groom Judy, read a speech she’d written about Matt, all parties involved were emotional! 

I was able to share the couple’s love story with their guests, taking them on the journey from when they very first met, through to that very day in front of their guests! Matt and Kirstin wanted a sense of fun in their ceremony, and we surprised the guests by playing ‘Paper Scissor Stone’ to decide who was going first with their vows – Kirstin won, and the couple shared their vows with each other and included vows to Rory who was sat on the steps of the bank behind us at the time!

The couple exchanged rings and signed their ceremonial certificate whilst a friend of theirs Nick sang and played guitar. I was privileged to present the new Mr and Mrs Butler to their guests and the Piper escorted them out from their ceremony. After they’d spent a few precious moments together in the barn, the couple rejoined their guests into a shower of confetti which had been hand made by Judy! 

After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a drink in the yard and games on the grass!

It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to provide Kirstin and Matt with a ceremony that reflected their personalities and involved their families… as you can see from the photo they were smiling from ear to ear afterward, and I wish them many more smiles for many years to come!

Laura x"