In his words | Our columnist Lee reflects on wedding planning
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When we first spoke to Lee he was in the newly-engaged bubble and was excitedly telling us all about his initial hopes to marry at the picturesque St Conan’s Kirk, Loch Awe.
Since then, there have been a few twists and turns – not least booking the beautiful Auchen Castle where he and Louise can host both their ceremony and reception.
“We fell in love with St Conan’s but logistically it wasn’t possible,” says Lee.
“I’m still not ruling out a secret second wedding there.
“Perhaps with an evening blessing with only us, the vicar and 2,000 tealights!”
With Auchen Castle booked, the couple gave themselves just under two years to plan and as their October wedding draws near, Lee is looking back on the process.
“It’s my last column before the big day and I’m nervous, but that’s OK,” he says.
“I have thrown myself at this wedding to ensure I take as much stress off Louise as possible and run it like a military operation.
“I’m sure I’ve heard words like ‘Groomzilla’ bandied about!”
By giving themselves plenty of time to prepare the couple have been able to formulate a plan, though as Lee says, “No plan survives first contact and things will change.”
He adds, “Things you have had your heart set on might not be possible and you will need to go back to the drawing board, overcome emotions and change budgets.
“It’s brutal at times.”
Having enough time, however, has allowed Lee and Louise to enjoy the process and add extra thoughtful touches, like the wedding newspapers they will have delivered to their guests’ rooms on the morning of the big day.
One important aspect he urges to-be-weds to figure out quickly though is the budget.
“Have one!” he says. “I have lost control of mine and if I was Chancellor of the Exchequer I would be sacked.”
Since we last caught up Lee and Louise have been busy doing their final cake tasting with Sweets by Ola and agreeing on their flowers with Bell’s Florist of Wishaw.
As a special touch they are getting the castle stairs decked out as part of their floral arrangements, while Dumfries-based The Wedding Room will be supplying all the décor and finishing touches, including a 4ft chocolate fountain.
“I have also tackled the major thorn in my side; the wedding favours!” adds Lee.
“These have driven me round the bend and we have decided to have scratch cards where each guest will win a drink.
“I’m still not happy but I’ve changed my mind more times than I care to think about and have a garage of random purchases.”
This includes 80 sets of Fred Perry toiletries which will now be put in the guests’ bedrooms!
With this being Lee’s final column, we’ll leave the final words to him with a special message for his bride…
“To my future wife Louise, nothing has made me happier than the adventures we have had together and the memories we have made.
“Thirteen years we have been together and I would not change one thing.
“I really feel like I have won in life.
“You have the kindest heart of anyone I know and I feel nothing is impossible when you are by my side.
“It is hard to put in words how much I love you, but I will try and show you each day, for the rest of our lives.”
