Hazel and John-Paul worked together in a hotel in Aviemore and became good friends. Hazel left to work in America and then returned to attend University in Edinburgh. In February 2001, JP called Hazel to say he was going to visit New York and she offered him a lift to the airport, they had coffee and then JP left. But the second JP left, Hazel realised she loved him and JP had the same realisation on the flight. He flew back after three days and they have been together ever since. When the moment came, JP proposed to Hazel in a restaurant in Aberdeen traditionally. He asked her parents two days before and then at the restaurant got down on one knee and popped the question.
The couple chose the area of the Scottish Borders for a couple of reasons; several generations of Hazel’s family on her Father’s side have come from St Abbs plus Berwick is a convenient halfway point between Hazel’s family in Dunfermline and JP’s family in Newcastle. Hazel’s family have lived in the area since the 1500s. It is tradition in the village for all the guests to congregate at the bride’s house and see her leave for the last time.
The venues were very successful for the two; the church (St Andrews RC, Eyemouth) is the only catholic church in the area and had not held a wedding in many years. The house where Hazel got ready and was in St Abbs which gave the couple access to the harbour and the beach/priory one mile away in Coldingham. Hazel’s grandfather was the Harbour Master at St Abbs Harbour and she spent many hours playing on Coldingham beach as a child. The Priory is where Hazel’s grandparents are laid to rest so the whole area for very special and personal to the couple.
Hazel and JP’s reception was held in Marshall Meadows Hotel in Berwick Upon Tweed, of which they and their guests had exclusive use for the weekend. About Marshall Meadows, the couple said “they were fantastic; everything we asked for was delivered perfectly by them and we would certainly use them for an event again (www.marshallmeadows.classiclodges.co.uk). The couple had their wedding ceremony in Scotland their wedding reception in England reflecting the fact that Hazel’s family are from the borders and JP’s family are from Northumberland.
Hazel’s dress was from Isla Morrison Dressmaker, who works with John Morrison Kiltmakers in Edinburgh (www.kilt.co.uk). Her head piece was from René Walrus in Edinburgh (www.renewalrus.co.uk).
Bridal flowers and button holes for the big day were from the Speyside Heather Centre (www.heathercentre.com), and the flowers for mothers were from Marks & Spencers. The wedding flowers also represented the Scottish/English union being roses and sea thistles. The flowers used as table decorations were bought and arranged by an Aunt on Hazel’s side of the family.
Hazel & JP’s evening entertainment was by Lee Live (www.lee-live.com) who sang, called a ceilidh and provided a disco. Their other entertainment was Celtic Spirit, who provided the Pipes and Drums for the daytime, and then during the evening put on a show. The couple told us “The evening show was absolutely fantastic and we would really highly recommend anyone to use these guys as they are first class entertainment. People loved all of the entertainment, but most of all enjoyed Celtic Spirit and guests even bought CD’s from them.” (www.celticpipes.co.uk)
Car service was provided by Masserati Chaffeur Drive (www.maseratichauffeurdrive.com) and and as JP told us “the service was second to none; very personal attention to detail especially from the chauffeur, Steve.” The couple organised buses for their guests from Perrymans Buses who were great too (www.perrymansbuses.co.uk).
Hazel & JP chose Archibald Photography after meeting us at a Wedding Fayre. When asked why they selected us, they said “they were friendly, professional and the samples we looked at were brilliant. They were so different from everyone else and Mark was so passionate about his work which was proved on the day by the way he captured every important moment.”
Everything was very special about the couple’s day including the weather which was hot and sunny (for the end of April) for their guests to enjoy. Hazel and JP told us “our wedding service was beautiful and all of our suppliers were just the best.” When asked what made their day so special, they said “picking the best people to do the best jobs, suppliers and friends, and making such an event of the whole weekend.”
According to Hazel and JP nothing went to plan on the day! As they told us “Despite this every supplier made sure that it all ran smoothly and none of our guests noticed a thing. We just gave up and let the day sort itself out and we had the best of times. The funniest things that happened was the cat at the hotel trying to get into as many photos as possible (see previous photo – Hazel and JP said their photos were like Where’s Wally!!) and the drummer from Celtic Spirit really enjoying the Pimms, maybe just a touch more that everyone else! The whole experience was unforgettable, just a wonderful day with friends, family and new friends in our suppliers, if we were to do it all again, we wouldn’t change a thing.”
A lovely sunset finished off a great day
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