TEAMWORK

Gordon’s beloved tractor played a starring role – parking it right outside the hotel!

PHOTOGRAPHS: Karol Makula Photography

Back in the day, when a couple got engaged, it was all too normal for the bride to be the centre of attention. “Show me the ring,” and “Have you thought about your dress?” became standard conversation starters. In fact, many men didn’t get a look in.

Thankfully things have changed with more men now taking an active role (and interest) in wedding planning – we applaud the guys who pull their weight! Guys like Gordon, who married Hollie – the owner and artistic director of June Brides Glasgow – last May. While there were certain things he left to Hollie, in other elements he took the lead. And he had a rough idea of how he wanted the wedding to be - “Relaxed, outdoors (if possible) and a good party.”

First up, they had to find the ideal setting for the wedding they had in mind, and after visiting various venues, they fell in love with Dalmeny Park House Hotel. “I loved our first visit when it was still well under renovations and very much a building site,” remembers Gordon. “We both knew straight away this was our venue and I loved seeing it through its different stages and final completion.”

With the venues booked, tree surgeon Gordon got to work on some décor. “I wanted something unique and special to me, so I felled a birch tree and cut slices from the wood to make the centrepieces for our tables,” he says.

Boys’ time

Wedding planning became a good chance for Gordon to catch-up with best man Jon who helped him in the serious job of finding the right music. “I really wanted to be involved in the type of music or band we had so we took on the very difficult task of visiting band showcases while enjoying a few beers in the process,” he smiles.

Dressed to impress

As Hollie was having her bespoke dress made by top bridal designer Demetrios, Gordon had to make sure his own outfit was up to scratch and headed to Frank’s Gold Room at Kilts 4 U. “I knew from the start what I wanted and had already chosen my tartan – the dress Gordon,” he says. And this groom received plenty of help from Iain of Kilts 4 U, along with Hollie, choosing the right tweed and colours and all the finishing touches. “They helped pull me out of my comfort zone and I ended up with a look better than I could have imagined,” says Gordon, who even had tartan inlay shoes made to match.

The challenges

While Gordon was happy to rise to the challenge of wedding planning, it wasn’t all plain sailing, thanks in part to Covid-19. In fact, the couple had to postpone twice. “There was so much uncertainty and it put a lot of stress and pressure on us,” he admits. “And writing and memorising your own vows is also pretty stressful!”