We just love it when our Midland wedding couples keep in touch and share their wedding highlights and how they got to that all-important 'I do' moment. Oliver and Melissa's day was unique and stylish from the moment their vintage Morgan rolled up to the front door. Melissa reflects on their romantic journey ...
I’ll give it ten minutes!
Back in September 2012, I was dragged along to a house party by my best friend, which turned out to be a party for Oli’s birthday. I was reluctant to go, but decided to give it ten minutes and then go on to meet some other friends. Oli was enjoying the celebrations when we arrived. Turning to one of his friends Oli claimed “I’m going to marry that girl!” Or so the story goes! Ten minutes turned into an hour…
A Perthshire Proposal
After a couple of years of a long distance relationship, I made the move to Edinburgh. After completing my first term at a new school I thought they were going to have a spa weekend to celebrate the start of the summer holidays. Little did I know that Oli had a whole weekend planned to celebrate something much bigger.
The proposal itself was on the banks of the river Tay in the grounds of Dunkeld House, in Perthshire. Oli was setting up the camera to take a picture of the two of them, something which he does a lot. Taking his time to ensure it was perfect I started joking about how long he was taking and how it was a good job he wasn’t trying to capture a moment!
There was a beautiful little grotto, a favourite spot for the writer Beatrix Potter, in the background and as Oli jumped back in for the photograph he got down on one knee! He captured the moment perfectly with the photographs showing my reaction and realisation about what was happening. After a wonderful evening celebrating at the hotel, Oli had arranged for a surprise trip home to see family and friends.
Vintage Glamour
Seeing The Midland, run down and abandoned for the first time as a teenager, as a lover of all things vintage, I instantly fell in love. Wanting to explore and relive it’s heyday I watched the restoration project with great interest. Visiting for the first time after it reopened was one of those unforgettable moments. It is a special place.
Knowing how much I loved The Midland, Oli arranged many special events and celebrations there. For our anniversary in 2014 we visited for Vintage by the Sea in 2014 which showcased The Midland in all it’s glory.
After viewing a handful of other wedding venues, we both knew they couldn’t compare to The Midland and the vintage glamour which the venue provides. Another important factor when choosing the venue was the capacity to have our guests stay at the venue overnight, something The Midland could easily accommodate, even with our large number of guests.
The high level of service also played a big part. After seeing the level of service at the hotel we knew that we would not be disappointed.
Wedding Attire - A Scottish Affair!
My wedding gown was from a boutique in Edinburgh Lamesley Bridal. It was a two piece by Catherine Deane with a lace overlay by Charlie Brear. I added a jewelled belt and a traditional cathedral length, skull cap veil. Wanting a 1930s look, the separates allowed me to create this individual look.
Oliver purchased his traditional wool suit from Walker Slater, also in Edinburgh. The double breasted waistcoat again fitted the vintage glamour theme perfectly, and certainly helped with the cold February weather!
Local Lancashire Feast
The wedding breakfast was definitely one of the most important factors when choosing our venue. The commitment to using local produce to such a high standard was very important to the us. Having tasted various options we decided upon;
Ham Hock with Piccalilli, Champagne Sorbet, Chicken Breast followed by Crème Brulee
The children had Garlic Bread, Sausage and Mash, followed by Ice Cream.
The petite fours rounded the meal off perfectly.
The ability to cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements also needs to be commended, making adjustments and ensuring all our guests had a delicious meal. The service was impeccable, no mean feat when catering for 130 people.
Candlelight and Feathers
We put a lot of thought into the table settings, wanting to continue the vintage glamour theme. Tall vases were used, with flowers from the wonderful Time4Flowers, with white feathers as a nod to the theme. We spent months sourcing silver candelabras and tea light holders which were sprayed to match the silver and white colour palette. White linen and The Midland place name cards complimented the additional decorations perfectly. The table names were named after Scottish colloquialisms, as a nod to where the couple now live and got engaged. A wee translation was provided under each one!
A Wee Sweet Treat
As another little nod to Scotland we added a Tunnocks Teacake to the place settings. Each table also had a 'thank you' card from Unicef for a donation of exercise books and writing equipment for school children we had been made - something which is very close to my heart, as a charity that I have supported with my classes for many years.
Glamourous and Delicious!
Cath, from The Wedding Cake Co. captured our vision for our cake exactly. After sitting down with her, discussing out theme and speaking a little about what we wanted, she sketched the perfect cake. We knew we wanted different flavours and not only did they create a cake which looked wonderful but tasted delicious. A bride and groom Sylvanian Family cake topper finished it off perfectly.
First Dance
The first dance was a highly anticipated moment. Having ballroom and latin danced for many years, many people expected me to have a choreographed routine, however Oli had other ideas!
The song chosen was ‘You Give Me Something’ by Jamiroquai which our band, The Ragamuffins, stripped back and sang perfectly. After a little shuffle and a sway I managed to persuade Oli to loosen up a little and enjoy himself, despite the watching eyes!
Not a Dry Eye in the House
Other standout moments from the day had to be wonderful speeches by our friends and family. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. According to the father of the bride it was terrible hay fever season, which we all seemed to catch!
Just before the first dance the Oli's Dad performed a poem he had written for the occasion which kicked off the evening celebrations.
A key moment for us was arriving at the hotel in our vintage Morgan, with the guests enjoying the atmosphere created by Boogie Bill. The little touches were so important, the attentive staff and the wonderful wedding team ensured every moment of the day was perfect.
Being able to share breakfast with our guests the following morning rounded off our celebrations in style. So many of our guests have commented on the service and quality. One of our guests even booked her birthday celebration before she left!
Honeymoon Adventures
After spending another night at ‘The Midland’ the couple mini mooned in Dunkeld straight after the wedding, before jetting off in July to Hong Kong, Borneo and Bali for honeymoon adventures.
Our Advice to Wedding Couples
Don’t be afraid to ask. The team at The Midland were more than happy to accommodate our wishes if possible. You should have your day exactly as you want it.
Planning Your Wedding?
Lee and his Wedding and Events team would love to hear from you and help you design your perfect day. Give him a call on 01524 428 370.
Congratulations to Oliver and Melissa!
Suppliers
Bride: Lamesley Bridal, Lily Luna, Rachel Scott Accessories
Make up: Jo Coole
Hair: Steph Corry at Hair Studio
Groom: Walker Slater
Flowers: The Flower Cabin and Time4Flowers
Car: Lune Valley
Photographer: Jonny Draper Photographer
Videographer: Gingerbread Productions
Band: The Ragamuffins
Piano: Boogie Bill
Cake: the wedding cake co
Favours: Unicef website
Stationery: Taylor Made Design and Bride & Groom
