As a wedding photographer, there’s nothing more terrifying than being asked to photograph another wedding photographer’s vow renewal “because the original wedding photos weren’t very good”… Anyway! Read on about this incredible story and see the pictures from this magical day!
Kerry and Roy’s 13th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal
Love stories often have twists and turns, but few are as heartwarming and resilient as that of Kerry and Roy. They met when Kerry was 26, and after 7 years of engagement and 3 wedding dates, their marriage began with a whirlwind wedding that was as chaotic as it was memorable.
Yet, despite the challenges they faced, they always knew they would one day renew their vows and celebrate their love the way it deserved to be celebrated. This is the story of their beautiful vow renewal at Castletown Woodland Weddings in Rockcliffe, a day filled with love, family, and a touch of magic.
A Rocky Start: The Original Wedding
Kerry and Roy’s original wedding on March 13, 2011, at Auchen Castle in Moffat was an eventful day, to say the least. With only three months to prepare, the couple faced numerous setbacks. Kerry’s dress, initially a beautiful Monsoon bridal gown kept at her mother’s house, became a point of contention and was ultimately never worn. Her mother sadly passed away before their wedding. The venue went into administration six weeks before the wedding, causing significant stress. Despite these hurdles, they pressed on.
The wedding day was fraught with mishaps—from a too-large dress due to unexpected weight loss to a crazy early driver and even a drunken Roy greeting Kerry from a window as she arrived 30 minutes early. The minister arrived late. Still, sporting gravy stains from his Sunday roast and the planned music for Kerry’s walk down the aisle failed to play. Even the wedding photography, handled by an unprepared friend, resulted in less-than-ideal shots.
Kerry humorously recounts the moment the minister asked her maid of honour for ID before signing the register and the chaos that ensued when guests dispersed early, marring their exit as a married couple.
Despite all these challenges, Kerry and Roy’s love for each other shone through. However, they both knew they wanted a redo, a perfect celebration of their love.
The Long-Awaited Vow Renewal
Initially planned for their 10th anniversary, Kerry and Roy’s vow renewal was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delay only made the eventual celebration even more special. They chose Castletown Woodland Weddings in Rockcliffe, a venue perfectly suited their down-to-earth, family-oriented nature.
Kerry’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the day. She chose a custom dress that echoed the colour of her original gown, creating a beautiful continuity. Castletown Woodland provided a magical, child-friendly setting, ideal for their vision of a lush family afternoon filled with close friends and family.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere – With industry friends!
It all starts with the bridal prep and the amazing combo of Adele from – Bridal Hair by Adele and Make-up from Rebecca Carley at So Elegant.
The stunning custom dress from Georgie-mae Bridal and customised by Bryony at Gabrielle Couture Bridal.
To bring her vision to life, Kerry enlisted the help of Rockin Wonderland and Peaky Bloomers Creative Florist. Together, they transformed the woodland venue with fairy lights, a firepit, and charming decorations that created a warm, enchanting atmosphere.
Stardust Parties entertained the children, keeping them laughing and playing throughout the day.
So Sweet & Scrumptious provided lots of amazing ice cream.
A thoughtful addition to the day was hiring Peter Tyson, ensuring guests could enjoy watching the England game.
The highlight of the evening was a performance by a fire-eating duo dressed as fairies, adding a touch of whimsy to the celebration.
A Moment to Remember
One of the most poignant moments of the day was Kerry walking down the aisle to “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” sung beautifully by her daughter-in-law. The song choice was a nod to their original wedding and brought tears to Kerry’s eyes as her daughter-in-law’s voice echoed through the woods.
To capture the magic of the day, Kerry chose Jay Gilmour as their videographer. Having worked with Jay before, she knew he would perfectly document their special day. For photography, Kerry picked me, a documentary-style photographer and long-term photography friend.
Reflecting on Their Journey
Reflecting on their journey, Kerry shared, “The day I met Roy, I knew I would marry him. My soul kind of said, there he is, and I went home from work and told my mam, I met the guy I’m going to marry today.” Despite the rocky start to their marriage, their vow renewal was a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
The day was everything they had hoped for and more—a celebration of love, resilience, and family. Kerry and Roy’s vow renewal at Castletown Woodland Weddings was a perfect, magical day, one that they will cherish forever.
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Have a look at the slideshow and blog below. If you’re thinking about having a Castletown Woodland Wedding and you fancy contacting me about your wedding plans, please do, as I would love to document your day!
