Camaraderie was the order of the day
By sheer coincidence, serving soldiers, Jack and Charlotte, chose a former serviceman to marry them. In a previous life, humanist celebrant Robbie Sharpe served in the Royal Air Force and, although they ultimately chose Robbie for his light-hearted nature, his background in the forces made Jack and Charlotte feel it was meant to be.
Why did you want a humanist ceremony?
Our relationship is fun and light-hearted, and we wanted our ceremony to reflect that. We also wanted all our guests to feel involved. A humanist ceremony allowed those boxes to be ticked.
Where did you choose to get married and why?
We chose Dalswinton Estate near Dumfries, for its breathtaking location and stunning grounds. We got married in their quaint little red 19th century barony church.
When and how did you two meet?
We met while working in England in 2017. We started as friends and this ended up blooming into more. Most weekends, we’d go for walks and explore Yorkshire.
When and how did the proposal happen?
I [Jack] popped the question on 27th January 2022. Our planned hike up Beinn Íme – the highest mountain in the Arrochar Alps of Argyll – seemed doomed due to terrible weather. But, all of a sudden, there was a break in the clouds and a beam of sunshine hit the hill opposite the loch. I knew this was my moment.
What was your favourite part of the wedding planning?
I [Jack] was working abroad for most of the year, so poor Charlotte was left alone. Luckily she had both our families for support. Charlotte made so many things for the wedding, including all the table centre pieces and paintings.
What was your favourite part of the ceremony?
The handfasting ritual in the ceremony was so unique to us. We loved how it not only symbolically bound us together using the tartans, but also our families. Our mothers also helped us ‘tie the knot’. The whole ceremony just felt so personal to us.
Your photographs are absolutely fabulous. Who did you choose and why?
We were initially drawn to Duncan Ireland because of the images he shared on Instagram. As soon as we met him, we were drawn to his warm personality. Bonus.
We love your video too. Who did you get to produce that?
Jake Smith. He is my [Jack’s] cousin. Having family involved in our day was important to us. My sister Zoe even piped for us.
With hindsight, is there anything that you would have done differently?
Nothing! It was the best day of our lives. And we have Robbie to thank for playing a huge part in making that happen.
And finally, any advice for other couples?
Don’t worry about the small stuff. You’ll only remember the best parts anyway.
Huge congratulations Mr & Mrs Halliday, and thank you for choosing Humanist Society Scotland!
Links to all suppliers recommended by Jack and Charlotte
- Venue – Dalswinton Estate
- Humanist celebrant – Robbie Sharpe
- Photographer – Duncan Ireland
- Videographer – Jake Smith (groom’s cousin)
- Piper – Zoe Halliday (groom’s sister)
- Dress – Wed2be
- Kilts – Anderson Kilts
- Band – Cassien
- Florist – Emma at Country Flowers
Find your celebrant!
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