Finishing our Helpx stay in Pitlochry was sad as always but we were just a little excited as we got the train south to the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. More sightseeing? Housesitting? No. Something very special was taking place that we just couldn’t miss. A family wedding! Even my bad back wasn’t going to stop me enjoying this.
Wedding what wedding?
My youngest brother Dave has lived in Aberdeen for several years and had met a lovely American girl called Ali. She moved across from sunny Florida, that must have been a slight change in temperature, and they’ve been together in Scotland for a couple of years and decided that summer 2019 was the time to get married. Edinburgh was chosen as the venue and luckily for us we were just a couple of hours train ride away.
We had booked an Airbnb in Leith, just on the northern edge of Edinburgh, for ourselves and our three boys and their girls. So apart from being excited about the wedding we couldn’t wait to get them all together for a couple of days as we hardly ever get the chance these days. Shaun and Katie were on the early train from London. Ryan, Ella, and Sam were on the afternoon flight from Gatwick. And Tabitha was flying up on a later flight due to work commitments.
Now the wedding was due to be held in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and a lot of Ali’s family had already jetted across from the States to attend. She also had family from Belgium on their way which along with my other brother, Nick and family, from Sussex it meant it would be an interesting mix of different people. Although Dave and Ali had been planning the day for a long time they both seemed incredibly relaxed and laid-back about the whole affair. They were intent on just enjoying every moment.
Cocktails in Tigerlily
Everything started on Friday night as Ali’s parents had booked the Tigerlily cocktail bar for a pre-wedding family get-together. I think this is a particularly American idea but it was a great opportunity for us to meet everyone in a casual atmosphere and have a few laughs and generally get to know each other.
The drink flowed and there were snacks a-plenty as the formal gathering turned into an informal party. It was brilliant to see both my brothers again as we hardly ever get to see each other anymore and there were a few hugs and tearful conversations as the evening wore on. Our boys and girls threw themselves into the party atmosphere as Dave and Ali really let their hair down. Our US hosts seemed to have an equally great time too as the night wore on.
All too soon it was time to get to bed as we lept in taxis to different corners of the city with shouts of ‘see you tomorrow‘ ringing out on the Edinburgh streets.
What’s the Dress Code?
Now some of you may be wondering how two scruffy JWalking urchins could possibly scrub up smart enough to go to a top class wedding. Well let me explain. Several weeks earlier before we had even arrived in Scotland we packed up a suit-cover-type-bag with Jo’s dress, my suit, a couple of shirts, and smart shoes. We lugged this bag all the way to Pitlochry 6 weeks earlier so were all ready for ultra-smartness on the wedding day.
After a fabulous early morning walk out for breakfast at The Printworks in Leith we returned to get ready. Can you imagine it? Eight of us. Two showers. Three mirrors. Could have been a disaster but like some sort of complex ballet it came together and we all ended up in the right outfits with the right make-up.
Wedding in the Botanical Gardens
Unfortunately the weather wasn’t very friendly and Ali and Dave’s planned outside ceremony had to be moved inside a marquee but the Botanical Gardens were still beautiful and the occasion unbelievably emotional as we shared their special moment. With a string quartet playing through the ceremony and a Scottish piper welcoming guests it was a truly wonderful musical experience. Ali looked amazing and even Dave scrubbed up well looking very dapper and smart.
More drinks before the meal and then the piper marching the happy couple in. We were sat with Ali’s lovely parents Cindy and David and her brother and his wife, plus my brother Nick and sister-in-law Natalie. Fabulous food and even more drinks before the entertaining speeches. Now my brother Dave is a big music enthusiast and had arranged a traditional Scottish Ceilidh for the reception. That’s Gaelic music and dancing to the uninitiated amongst you. A bit like a line dance but louder, more manic, and more fun.
Sharing your Special Day
So a terrific evening celebrating with the happy couple and enjoying a fabulous time with all of our family and new friends. The day was absolutely perfect and we really hope it was everything that Dave and Ali dreamed of.
Thanks so much for letting us share your special day Dave and Ali. We felt honoured to be part of the most wonderful occasion and wish you all the very best for your married lives. Exciting times and adventures ahead.
08/06/2019
JWalking 
Absolutely gorgeous photos. Both of you two scrubbed up amazingly well for a couple of vagabonds. Your health kick must be paying off, it shows, you’re both looking very good, and it shows in your skin. And your red dress Joanna looked lovely. I’ve seen that pre wedding evening in American movies. – and always wonder what that’s all about. Hope it never catches on here, weddings cost enough already. The bride and groom looked lovely too. I bet it was very moving having the bagpipes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The whole occasion was fabulous and the happy couple seemed to absolutely love the day. I think it was exactly what they planned so apart from the weather it couldn’t have gone any better. We didn’t look too shabby did we? perhaps we should start travelling like that in future, might get a few upgrades?
LikeLike
You didn’t look shabby at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous! What a very special time you all had, and don’t you and Jo scrub up well? 🙂 🙂 I’ve stayed in Leith and been to the Botanic Gardens (shame about the weather) so could picture it all as if I was there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was absolutely brilliant. Not our normal dress code but quite nice to go ‘posh’ for a day and just wonderful to share it with the boys.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s nothing quite like a big family gathering to celebrate a wedding. What fun! and you all looked fabulous.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ah thanks, it was a lot of effort but we had a fabulous day and we didn’t scrub up too badly did we? Not our normal attire.
LikeLike
You guys look awesome and what a great day for celebrations. Lovely memories 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much. Slightly different from our normal get-up wasn’t it? Nice to go smart for a change. The whole weekend was brilliant though, loved it all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So the song is lying and there was no sunshine on Leith but who cares as it looked like a fabulous bash. It’s odd to see you in a suit Jon, must have been even more odd for you to be wearing one. Looks the back cleared up enough for it not to spoil the fun.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not much sunshine but a great time had by all. Weird to wear the suit but felt okay for the occasion and the back held up although still not right really. Its gonna take some time I think.
LikeLike
What a fabulous day you had. Edinburgh is a beautiful city and a great place to have a wedding. We have family there and love going into town. Congratulations to all the family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, it really was a special day and great to share with all the family. Don’t get to see them all much these days so made it even more special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Always good to have a catch-up, even better is nice surroundings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ceilidhs are the best!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Difficult to pronounce but great fun.
LikeLike
What a beautiful wedding.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a wonderful day, especially as we got to spend time with our three sons. Don’t get together often so very special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a very special time in a very special place. Edinburgh is such a grand place, only been once many years ago but would like to return.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was so special and Edinburgh is well worth a visit as it’s an amazing city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looks fantastic! Love the matching red ties and Jo’s red dress.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She looked gorgeous didn’t she? Everyone scrubbed up very well. Don’t get the chance to dress smartly very often.
LikeLike
You both scrubbed up beautifully!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like you had a lovely day… I haven’t been to Edinburgh for years but would love to go again some time soon and explore some more!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a wonderful weekend and you really do need to get back to Edinburgh sometime as it’s a beautiful city with so much to see and do.
LikeLike
What a beautiful place for a wedding! Looks like such a lovely day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was a spectacular day, so good to see all our family for the weekend.
LikeLike
A wedding is a great time to get together with friends and relatives from all over the world. We are also going to a wedding in Edinburgh in October for our friends’ son’s wedding. We are flying over from Perth and our friends are flying from Hong Kong. Hope we enjoy it as much as you did yours.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time and hopefully it will be a day to remember. Edinburgh is a great city to visit.
LikeLike
I worked with you for over 5 years, and definitely never saw you in a suit!! Looking good. Excellent blog! Looks like everyone had a great time, and glad to see that you managed to stay in an AirBnb with all the family :). Florida to Aberdeen must be a slight climate change!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah bit of a shock for Ali moving there but she loves it. Not many places more beautiful than Scotland if you can get used to the weather.
LikeLike