When Ruth Thomas and Alasdair Knox first met in the kitchen at work in 2016, neither imagined that a chance conversation would eventually lead them down the aisle. Friendship came first, with gym sessions and plenty of chats bringing them closer together. By late 2017, they realised there was something more.

Fast forward to Christmas morning 2025 and Alasdair had a surprise planned. With their four children watching, he presented Ruth with a Christmas card containing a proposal written in Gaelic. Unfortunately, Google Translate hadn't quite got the wording right! "We eventually worked out what he was asking," laughs Ruth. "There were plenty of eye rolls from the teenagers, but of course I said yes!"

It was a particularly special moment following a difficult year. Ruth had lost her beloved mum, Celia, shortly before Christmas 2024 and had undergone successful treatment for bowel cancer in 2025. Determined to have their families together, particularly Alasdair's sons Adam and Ryan, who live in Dubai, Ruth set about organising their wedding in just six months.

"I knew exactly what I wanted and didn't sweat the small stuff," she says. "The most important thing was having everyone there." Banchory Lodge Hotel was an easy choice. With its beautiful setting beside the River Dee and a summer date that suited the family, everything fell into place.

Colour played a big part in the celebrations, with fuchsia pink chosen in memory of Celia, whose favourite colour it had been. Her bridesmaids including Ruth's daughter Isla, wore different shades of pink and coral, while much of the décor was sourced second-hand.

There was also a rather unusual duck theme! "When we first started seeing each other, I wanted to know what our relationship actually was," explains Ruth. "Alasdair said, 'If it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it's a duck!'" The nickname stuck, inspiring duck-themed table names and little wooden ducks dotted around the reception.

Wedding dress shopping was another lovely family affair. Ruth's son Ethan helped her choose a beautiful sample gown at Heritage Bridal in Aberdeen, offering plenty of opinions along the way. "He was fantastic. We had such a laugh, and Kim even offered him a job afterwards!"

Ruth completed her look with sparkling accessories and comfortable Rainbow Club shoes, before changing into a second, pre-loved lace wedding dress for the evening. Alasdair, meanwhile, wore his Ancient Macfarlane tartan kilt, originally given to him for his 21st birthday. Their sons wore matching Modern Hunting MacDonald tartan, with Adam and Ryan also providing the piping.

After a smoky start to the celebrations, thanks to wildfires in the Cairngorms the previous evening, the wedding morning dawned beautifully sunny. The ceremony overlooking the river was heartfelt and personal, with traditional vows and a particularly meaningful handfasting using one of Celia's scarves. "It was so special to feel Mum was part of our day," says Ruth. "Looking out over the river, marrying the love of my life, surrounded by everyone who means the world to us, was unforgettable."

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés on the lawn while the newlyweds headed down to the riverbank for photographs. Unfortunately, Ruth's sweeping dress managed to collect a few wasps along the way! "I got stung on my ankles, but I was having far too much fun to care!"

The laughter continued during the meal when a surprise singing waiter appeared dressed as a Domino's delivery driver, much to the amusement of guests. With Ruth running her own pizza business, it was a particularly cheeky joke! The entertainment soon had everyone singing along, with napkins waving in the air. Speeches brought more laughter and a few emotional moments, particularly when best man Calum spoke about Alasdair never giving up on love.

After their first dance to Whitesnake's Forevermore, the evening continued with Latin-inspired music from Una Banda, salsa dancing, a photobooth and plenty of partying, before a rousing rendition of Runrig's Loch Lomond brought celebrations to a close.

For Ruth, the greatest joy was seeing their families together. "Having all four children there, each playing their part, meant everything. Everyone was relaxed, happy and enjoying themselves. It was exactly what we'd hoped for."

Her advice to other couples is refreshingly simple. "Don't sweat the small stuff. What you'll remember are the conversations, the laughter, the dancing and how everyone made you feel. That's what really matters."

And after everything life had thrown their way, Ruth and Alasdair certainly had plenty
to celebrate.

Ruth's Little White Book

Band: Una Banda

Beauty: Perfect Beauty

Bridal accessories: Liberty in Love, Vinted

Bridalwear: Heritage Bridal

Bridesmaids' dresses: MissAcc

Cake: McCakes

DJ & entertainment: Singers Secreto

Flowers: AngelK Weddings

Groomswear: Selbie & Co

Hair: Moyo Moyo

Make-up: Tracey Cepeda

Photography: Andy Mo Photography

Rings: Chisholm Hunter,
Forge & Lumber

Venue & catering: Banchory Lodge Hotel