A Scottish Wedding and Handfasting Ceremony at Kingsdown Manor Suites

Real Wedding Story:  This beautiful couple wanted to honour their heritage by including a traditional Scottish handfasting after exchanging rings. Even Toby, their beloved fur baby, was part of the celebration. Read all about it.

"Tying the Knot: A Scottish Handfasting Ceremony at Kingsdown Manor for Ben and Mhairi"

Kingsdown Manor and Chapel Centre was the perfect location for Ben and Mhairi's Scottish-themed wedding. In keeping with their heritage, we incorporated a Scottish handfasting enactment after exchanging rings.

Their whole family was involved, including Toby, their much-loved fur baby. The day began with a bit of drizzle, which stopped an hour before the wedding, and the sky was perfect for the photos. Brad Reeve Photography captured their special moments for their wedding day.

​Mhairi and Ben had a personalised ceremony that captured their essence and love story. They wrote their very moving vows. There were tears all around ( including numerous guests wiping away a tear.) 

Their ceremony had some very special enactments, including:

• A beautiful reading from a dear friend, all the way from Scotland
• Live music from a talented musician. She played on the keyboard during their signing. It was extra special as she was friends with the couple.  
• Their traditional Scottish handfasting. 

Their handfasting cords were lovingly made with eight metres of fabric in their Scottish family colours. They were beautifully plaited together, which took a bit of work. Their cords were adorned with unique charms representing different life elements. 

A Scottish handfasting is a traditional Celtic wedding ceremony where the couple's hands are tied with a ribbon or cord to symbolise their union. The couple makes their vows to each other while their hands are bound, and then the binding is removed. It is believed that the binding of hands represents the couple's commitment to each other and willingness to work together in their marriage.

Twelve special guests were invited to come up in pairs and tie their hands while I offered a blessing. Afterwards, the cords were gently removed, placed in a very special blox,  and kept as a reminder of their wedding day. The ceremony had many involved, and the whole day flowed beautifully. ​

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Fraser.It was an absolute pleasure getting to know you and your family.I wish you a long and happy life filled with love, laughter and lots of happy memory, making moments. ​

Are you getting married? I would love to have a no obligation chat about your big day. When would suit you to meet up?

​Love, Jade x

November 2017 - Mhairi and Ben's Scottish Wedding at Kingsdown Manor Timaru 

Photos: Brad Reeve Photography