A Scottish/Lakes Region Wedding Story

  Sarah & Steven Date of Engagement: February 17, 2013 Date of Wedding: May 23, 2014 Images by Michael Cirelli Photography (www.cirelliworks.com) Sarah would be the first one to tell you her romance and wedding story is “pretty complicated!” It spans two countries (United States and Scotland) and includes beloved dogs, a dedicated and loving extended family, a friendship that turned into romance and a perfect wedding on Lake Winnipesaukee. In the end, according to Sarah, all that planning and the details didn’t matter. If that sounds shocking, it isn’t meant to. What Sarah means is that all the details of the wedding are wonderful, but what is really important, she realized, was that she was marrying the love of her life surrounded by family and friends who came thousands of miles to share in the ceremony. That commitment to love and support each other all their lives was ultimately the most important part of Sarah and Steven’s wedding day. Sarah had graduated from college in the United States (her parents live in NHs Lakes Region) and then headed to Glasgow, Scotland to attend the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine. Sarah recalls, “Steven and I met in December 2010 in Glasgow. Steven was walking his Border Collie Jinx along the canal path behind my house. I was walking and saw Jinx, and then saw Steven. We got to talking and became great friends, and after about a year we started dating.” Steven grew up in Glasgow, and has a Master’s degree in international business from Glasgow University. Currently he’s working as a project manager based in England. He is remaining at his job in England for another 12 to 14 months to finish his work contract and then is planning to move to the US. Because the happy couple was residing overseas, Sarah relied on her mother to plan much of the wedding. “ It was very had to plan a wedding from 3,500 miles away while in vet school and studying for my licensing exams! My mom did most of the planning with a few very close family friends. There were a few things that we were particular about – mainly having a Scottish theme, the venue, and the ‘weekend’, and beyond that, we weren’t too fussy about the details, as long as everyone had fun. My mom did an amazing job and it was just perfect.” Sarah explains, “The one thing we were really particular about was getting to spend time with everyone. We had family coming from all over the US, and Steven had family and friends coming from Scotland and England. This was possibly the only time we’d ever all be together so we wanted to make sure we spent as much time as possible together. We came up with the idea of having a barbecue at Church Landing (the site of the wedding/ceremony) on Thursday (for everyone in the area) and did it in place of the traditional rehearsal dinner. It was such a great way for everyone to meet and get to know each other before the wedding (which took place on Friday) and on Saturday my parents hosted a brunch at their house for everyone. It was a busy, but fantastic weekend, and we really made the most of our time together. We just wanted to have a lot of fun with all the people we loved and cared for most in the world and we wanted to make the best of our time together.” Although the wedding day dawned overcast and rainy (Sarah laughs that it just added to the Scottish theme because rain is common in that part of the world), the couple was hardly aware of the weather as they took their vows under a tent on the beautiful Church Landing property. Sarah recalls the ceremony, “Just before Steven and I said our vows, my uncle played the guitar and sang Dave Barnes “I have and I always will,” He played for my parents’ wedding, and other family member’s weddings so it was really special to have him involved.” As for any wedding day glitches, the rainy weather and her advice for other brides, Sarah reflects, “It doesn’t matter. So you’re not getting exactly what you want, someone is complaining, the color’s not quite right, it’s raining, etc.,  etc…. It doesn’t matter. Just relax, let it go, and enjoy your partner, your family, your friends and remember why you’re all together. When you’re standing surrounded by your family and friends, and you’re all celebrating the commitment you’re making to your best friend and the start of your life together, nothing else matters.” After exchanging vows, the wedding party and guests dined and danced in the ballroom at Church Landing. All too soon, after the long weekend, Sarah and Steven returned to Scotland where Sarah prepared for her final exams and the groom returned to work. Sarah passed her exams and has returned to the US/NH where she is working as a veterinarian. Although the couple is now living in separate countries for a while, and obviously missing one another like crazy, they know that in the long run, when Steven moves to the US to be with his bride, it will all be worth it. Sarah and Steven’s Wedding Professionals: Florist – Lakes Region Floral Studio Cake – Jacques Fine European Pastries Wedding Ceremony/Reception/Catering: Church Landing, Meredith, NH Minister: Peter Bredlau- the minister at Muhenberg College (where Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree. She babysat for his children in the past and he knew Sarah very well so it was really special and personal to have him perform the ceremony.) Hair and makeup: The Cascade Spa, Church Landing Photography: Michael Cirelli Photography (www.cirelliworks.com). Sarah says, “He was fantastic and we’re so happy we picked him! He was a lot of fun, very easy to work with, and the pictures are spectacular.” Music: Pat Tecce Entertainment Ceilidh band, bag pipes and Scottish music- Campbell Webster, Concord, NH