Lee and Lynne first got in touch back in June 2018 and knew exactly what they wanted and how they wanted to integrate their wedding piper into their day right from the start. They chose our ever popular top table package and adjusted the elements to suit them and fit around the other entertainment they had planned for the day, which is exactly what the packages are designed to do, give couples an idea and starting point to start to structure their entertainment for the day.
A year later I find myself travelling the familiar route to Piperdam a few miles south of Dundee. It's a lovely summer day which is when Piperdam and the location really come into their own.
As I walked over towards the Riga Suite a massive wooden (Cathedral Like inside) Lodge, my mood is raised even more as I see the wedding celebrant also making her way there. Tegan Elder of Fuze Ceremonies is a wonderful lady with a soft friendly personality who always delivers an entertaining and beautifully personalised wedding ceremony. I am delighted to know Tegan through the unique Top Floor Wedding Studios in Dundee, a fantastic 'one stop shop' wedding collective of 12 excellent wedding suppliers, where we are both members.
A quick look inside, say hello to the staff and grab some venue pictures before any guests arrive then outside to give the pipes a blow in and tune them. The next person I see is the Groom himself, Lee is busy carrying over some items to the Riga suite, looking very smart in his kilt outfit he is very relaxed and clearly looking forward to the day.
I found a shady spot at the front door and soon the guests were arriving in numbers and the sense of occasion was growing amongst them.
When I saw the fantastic Victoria Lister Photography parking up and running over I knew we were close to 'game time'.
Soon the Bridesmaids car arrived and we all awaited the arrival of Lynne and her dad. A few minutes later the Bridal car was in sight, serenely coming down the hill from the Lodges. Today the wedding piper chose a lovely high tempo Hornpipe called The Fourth Floor, written by the legendary Gordon Duncan to herald the arrival of the bridal limousine.
Lynne and Lee had chosen Caledonia, the lovely scots ballad by Dougie Maclean for Lynne's entrance. I love playing in Piperdam as the acoustics and high ceiling are brilliant for the pipes and on a day when you have the instrument finely tuned, it is a joy.
For the rest of the ceremony music a very talented singer called Chris (I will find out more and update) a friend of Lynne & Lee provided the musical backdrop and delivered a fantastic set during the drinks reception.
During the afternoon I played a few tunes on the edge of the Loch whilst photo's were taken and drinks were served.
There then only remained one last duty for the wedding piper, leading Lee and Lynne to the strains of 'Heilan Laddie' as their guests raised the rafters to welcome them into the Wedding Breakfast.
Another fantastic wedding and a reminder how lucky I am to be invited to participate in such important and momentous days in peoples lives.
A happy piper headed home for a dram!
all images by @apiperwithaphone