For those of you who don’t know Shieldhill Castle is in the back of beyond. No, that’s not strictly true it’s in Quothquan, obviously. Ah yes, I hear you say, Quothquan, “isn’t that in the middle of nowhere?”. Shieldhill is a gorgeous venue, a typical Scottish castle close to Biggar, steeped in history, low ceilings, wood smoke and joy. The wedding venue is a lovely candle lit chapel entered round the back of the main building – really rather special.

As I arrive the gospel choir is warming up and rehearsing nervously. I suspect it is their first gig at a wedding, it might be their first gig anywhere, but they are good. We get the rings sorted (we are doing a band warming where the rings are passed round the guests during the ceremony) and await Fiona’s entrance. The ceremony is quite a laugh, the story of how the two of them met is quite hilarious and then we come to the serious bit. In a humanist ceremony it is perfectly possible for you to write your own vows, which makes the whole day rather special. Fiona and Mark chose this option and, having shared with all their friends and guests I don’t think they’ll mind me sharing them with you: