MARRIED TO THE JOB

It’s not everyone who could work with their other half but Oskar and George Gilchrist-Grodnicki relish any chance to collaborate. George runs the Edinburgh Wedding Directory while his wedding planner husband Oskar is perhaps better known as The Wedding Guru Oskar. Here they tell Your Scottish Wedding how it works.

Oskar has been wedding planning at Scottish venues since 2009, from small boutique hotels to grand city centre ballrooms, receiving awards including three Scottish VOWS in the process. But in 2019, after planning over 600 weddings, it was time to help couples plan, outwith a specific venue. And so, The Wedding Guru Oskar was born. George took a different path into the wedding industry. He was still studying at university when he was approached to take over Edinburgh Wedding Directory. Under his leadership the directory now represents a myriad of vendors from cake designers to celebrants. With both George and Oskar working in weddings it’s only natural for them to tap into each other’s complementary skill sets. “George is a bit of a creative wizard who’s got an eye for aesthetic and design, whereas I am a pedantic organiser who thrives on spreadsheets, detailed schedules and plans,” says Oskar. George adds, “It’s an amazing feeling working with your husband on something you both enjoy, it barely feels like work!” Last year these complementary skills swung into action when 2020’s Boxing Day lockdown forced them to “lift and shift” one couple’s wedding forward by a week. George took on design consultations while Oskar concentrated on the logistics, ensuring their day was fabulous.

With so much experience and creativity it’s no surprise Oskar and George pulled off a “magical” wedding of their own, marrying at The InterContinental Edinburgh in 2018 and blending elements of their Scottish and Polish cultures. But while they had plenty of ideas for their own day, Oskar advises couples who may be new to wedding planning to sign up to wedding directories and magazines for inspiration. “Edinburgh Wedding Directory and Your Scottish Wedding share some wonderful real weddings and there is also Edinburgh Wedding Planning Group on Facebook to exchange notes.”

Oskar loves drawing on the latest wedding trends from the luxury market in the Middle East and America, but his biggest inspiration comes directly from his couples. If you do employ The Wedding Guru then, be prepared for lots of questions! “Honestly, I’m not being nosy, just curious about your style, inspirations, and visions, so don’t ever hold back,” he says. “Your ideas are a gold mine for me!” George meanwhile gains insight directly from the vendors he works with. And one thing both rely on is a good mood board. Oskar says, “They’re super important and helpful in assessing your likes and dislikes and quickly we identify your dream wedding day!”

While wedding trends come and go, Oskar and George agree keeping it personal is best, with ideas like serving your first date meal as your wedding breakfast always impressing. And timing is everything. If you’ve put so much effort into creating the perfect day stick to the schedule, lest your surprise singing waiters eat into your time on the dancefloor! “You can be sure to have your timings checked if you work with me,” smiles Oskar. George also warns couples to always keep an eye on the costs. After all, there’s no point falling in love with a Pinterest fairytale vision if you can’t pay the bills! “It’s an amazing feeling working with your husband on something you both enjoy, it barely feels like work!”

George