Bride & groom joining hands above their head

Real wedding: Love across the miles

Love across the miles

Love always finds a way to bring two hearts together, no matter how many miles are between them. And this was very much the case for Alex and Amy’s journey.

Tell us about your journey

We met nine years ago while I [Amy] was studying fashion and Alex was studying chemical engineering at The University of Manchester. I’m from Glasgow and Alex is from Devon, so we were both far from home. Our paths crossed in a Manchester nightclub when I asked him to dance!

When Alex finished his degree, he moved to London while I stayed in Manchester to do my final year. I then joined him in London but, just four months in, Alex was offered a job in New York for two years.

We managed to keep our long-distance relationship going. It was never an option to break apart. So we made it work, and travelled back and forth at every opportunity. It was tough at times but we shared some of our best memories in New York.

Bride & groom walking on a beach with their backs to the camera

When and how did the proposal happen?

In 2019, the year after Alex returned from New York, he proposed while we were in Cannes, France. We had hoped to get married in 2021 but we chose to postpone a year – to August 2022 – so that we could have the wedding we wanted without any covid-related restrictions.

Where was the ceremony held?

With the goal to move to Scotland one day, we chose Scotland to get married. GG’s Yard was like nowhere we had seen before. We viewed around 12 venues but as soon as we walked into GG’s with my [Amy’s] parents, we knew it was the one. It’s a stunning venue and its neutral tones suited us perfectly.

What was your favourite part of the wedding planning?

Meeting all our suppliers. It was important for us to build a great relationship with them, to help create the magic on our special day!

Why did you want a humanist ceremony?

We wanted something that was personal; a unique ceremony that suited us as a couple.

Which celebrant did you choose and why?

We met four celebrants before choosing Kathryn Ross. Right away, Kathryn came across as someone who was super passionate about her role as a celebrant. She demonstrated such enthusiasm and kindness, and we knew instantly that she was the one we wanted to marry us.

Bride & groom with their celebrant Kathryn Ross

What was your favourite part of the whole day?

Our favourite part of the whole wedding was the ceremony!

What was your favourite part of the ceremony?

Our ceremony was filled with emotion, joy, laughter and love. It will be something we will never forget, and we have Kathryn to thank for her words and her delivery.

Your photographs are absolutely fabulous. Who did you choose and why?

We chose Nikki Leadbetter. Her portfolio was beautiful and her style was so unique. She really captured amazing ‘moments’. When we spoke to her, she filled us with so much confidence. And she completely delivered!

Bride & groom sitting on a rock on a beach

Bride & groom cuddling on a beach looking into the distance

What about your videographer? Who did you choose and why?

We chose Simon from Boda Productions. We were impressed with the content he had captured previously and like Nikki, he filled us with confidence. The footage he captured for us is absolutely insane!

Transcript

GROOM ALEX
Amy, you look incredible right now. I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world right now, I really do. But the truth is, I’ve been feeling like that ever since we met at Sound Control in Manchester. It was to be the first and last time I’d ever seen anyone dancing with a stolen toaster above their heads. But it was a great conversation starter, and that night I knew I’d met someone very, very special.

Right from the beginning, I knew Amy was special and this was different, but over those first weeks and months, I came to discover that Amy isn’t just gorgeous, she’s also the most caring, thoughtful and kind person I’ve ever met. She has an energy and enthusiasm for life that is completely infectious and there’s no mystery as to why she has played such an important role in so many people’s lives, and is genuinely loved by so many friends – just a really special person.

Us being together has been the most joyful thing I’ve ever experienced. You know, it’s been such a good time, it really has. I’m just so happy to be stood here today as your husband and just so excited about the adventure and our married life together. I love you to bits.

CELEBRANT KATHRYN
In the presence of our family and friends

GROOM ALEX
In the presence of our family and friends

CELEBRANT KATHRYN
I Alex accept you Amy in marriage

GROOM ALEX
I Alex accept you Amy in marriage

CELEBRANT KATHRYN
As my lawfully wedded wife and equal partner

GROOM ALEX
As my lawfully wedded wife and equal partner

CELEBRANT KATHRYN
With this ring I join my life to yours

BRIDE AMY
With this ring I join my life to yours

CELEBRANT KATHRYN
Amy and Alex, you’ve both now made a solemn and binding contract, and by virtue of these declarations made in my presence, and in the presence of your witnesses and guests, it is with great pleasure that I declare you married and pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.

With hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently?

Absolutely nothing! We feel like the luckiest couple to have had our perfect day.

Bride & groom with bridesmaids & groomsmen

Any advice for other couples?

Don’t spend too much time trying to please everyone. Make sure it’s a day you BOTH want.
I work in events so I like to be all over the detail but trust your suppliers to crack on. They have done this a million times before. However, if you aren’t happy about something, make sure you speak up because it will only result in sleepless nights otherwise.
Give yourself a break. Planning a wedding is a big commitment, especially if you work full time. It takes a lot out of you so I would say, aside from your hen/ stag/ fittings and big celebrations, don’t commit to plans with friends and family. By the weekend you’ll be exhausted because you get most of your wedding bits done during the week when suppliers are working. Have weekends where you don’t talk about the wedding and do normal things otherwise it can all get a little too much.
Lastly, wake up on your wedding morning and just try to feel calm. This isn’t the day to stress. And just remember to have fun and always take out a few minutes with your other half to go for a mini walk and pinch each other that the day is finally here. You are in it; try to take in every second.

And finally, anything else you’d like to share?

Just want to say a special thank you to Kathryn. She’s the best in the business and deserves a huge pat on the back for being so excellent in her role. I couldn’t think of a better role for her.