In his words | Lee and Louise forge ahead with wedding planning
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We’ve got to hand it to Lee and Louise.
When it comes to wedding planning, this couple definitely put the effort in – so much so that last issue he told us how they’d actually gone panning for gold with The Museum of Lead Mining at Wanlockhead.
Since we last caught up, they put that treasure to good use, visiting their jeweller Timothy J Sharp at his Dunoon workshop to watch him incorporate it into their wedding bands.
“It’s extra special to us that he is adding the Scottish gold we panned for hidden on the inside of the rings,” says Lee.
“We are over the moon with them.
“Tim goes above and beyond. We had as much input as we wanted whilst also seeking his expert guidance.”
We set up our second theme against the window of Pratis Barns’ She
And that’s not the only wedding-related excursion this pair have been on.
They’re going with a his and hers approach to their wedding cakes, serving up a traditional cake by Sweets by Ola for Louise, while self confessed “cheese fiend” Lee is opting for a cheese tower for his take on a wedding cake.
“We visited a family farm, Errington Cheese, based virtually on our doorstep in North Lanarkshire,” says Lee.
“Before sampling their award-winning cheese we had a tour of the farm where we got to meet the animals and learn the local history of each cheese.
“We then came to the conclusion that we’d put together a four-tier cheese cake composed of Corra Linn, Lanark Blue, Lanark White and topped with Blackmount.”
d, where couples typically hold their drinks reception.
When used alongside the adjoining Byre the full venue capacity is 250.
We love the large windows that take full advantage of the panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.
In fact, many couples choose to marry outside before making the 10-minute trip to the beach for photos.
Lee and Louise are putting their guests up at Auchen Castle so it’s going to have a proper house party feel.
And to add an extra special touch they’ve organised for wedding day newspapers to be delivered to their guests’ rooms on the morning of the big day.
“I found a company called Finishing Touch Prints that is going to make the newspapers,” Lee explains.
“I thought it would be a fun and practical thing and the papers will have a detailed schedule of events.”
As you’d expect, that schedule is going to be jam-packed.
“We already have an array of music such as a piper, ceilidh band and DJ but there were just a couple more bits we wanted,” says the groom.
“We visited Auchen Castle – again, we can’t stay away! – as we heard they had a harpist coming to play during an afternoon tea.
“Once we listened we, decided that Philippa Smith Harpist would be perfect to provide the music for Louise walking down the aisle.”
However, Lee’s keeping tight-lipped about their choice of tune for that.
With a two-and-a-half-hour gap between the wedding breakfast and the start of the evening reception the couple have booked some added extras to entertain.
After meeting magician Cameron Young of Britain’s Got Talent fame at a wedding show they secured him for a set, as well as The Kilted Caricaturist – “It will be nice for guests to have a funny memento to take away with them.”
The final piece in the entertainment jigsaw is Philip Campbell who will be singing at the bar.
The couple first spied him when they were out for a drink, and he was playing keyboard and singing Fleetwood Mac.
“Anyone that knows me, knows they are my favourite band, and I was hooked,” Lee recalls.
We can’t wait to hear what’s on his playlist.
