Embrace small weddings!

For Kelly and Charles postponing their wedding was never an option - they just wanted to be married! Read on to see how they made a small wedding work for them (and how adorable the proposal was)

Charles and I got engaged while watching The Greatest Showman with my girls, Abbey and Millie. They were hiding under a blanket and when PT Barnum proposed in the movie they each popped up and asked if I liked their Haribo rings. Then Charles joined in with a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring in a box! Amongst the giggling and happy tears I said: 'Yes'! 

We knew Pittodrie House was our ideal venue. Bennachie holds a special place in our hearts so it had to feature in our wedding story. When we were finally able to view the hotel in July, we were completely sold - it's magical.

Initially it was difficult coming to terms with a smaller wedding. Charles is one of five and we both have extended families overseas, so we always pictured a big, traditional ceilidh with drams flowing. But once we made peace with having an intimate day, we fully embraced it - masks and all! 

Walking into our seasonally-themed ballroom was amazing. We decorated with apple crates and vases filled with pinecones. And it was perfect, even with the socially distanced seating.

Our niece Ella piped us in and once we signed the register our song (Ho Hey by The Lumineers) started playing and we had a wee dance. It was lovely and spontaneous. Our nephew, Callum, was groomsmen and spent the wedding running around handing out tissues to everyone. We affectionately nicknamed him 'The Hanky Man'!

We set up a Zoom call for the ceremony and speeches so friends and family could watch from Insch, Canada, America and the Caribbean. It was so special that they could be part of our day virtually.  

The traditional Scottish food was amazing, and the wine was flowing. It felt so intimate with the curtains drawn, candles lit and fairy lights twinkling away.

Looking back, we can't imagine having 120 guests! We were able to chat with everyone and jokes were shared with the whole crowd.

We also got to have a staycation honeymoon organised by my new husband - I had no idea where we were going but we spent three nights at the Mayen Estate. We were welcomed with a wedding card and a bottle of prosecco then had beautiful food, went on scenic walks and did clay pigeon shooting. We didn't want to leave our little slice of heaven. 

 It's been such a challenging year for everyone, so we were able to bring some joy to our friends and families. It was a magical day and the honeymoon was the icing on the cake!” 

Introducing Mr and Mrs Michie's dream team!

• Venue: Macdonald Pittodrie House
• Outfits: The Bridal Outlet, Kilts Wi Hae
• Alterations: Sally's Sewing
• Photographer: Calum Riddell
• Cake: Isobel Michie
• Rings: Finnies the Jewellers
• Hair: Julie McKendrick at Beau Chic
• Piper: Ella Michie
• Favours: Inverurie Whisky Shop
• Sanitiser: Customised Vinyl UK, Palm Safe
• Celebrant: Sheila Lawtie