Laura O’Donnell and Michael Kelly
8th April 2017
Venue | St Andrew’s Cathedral and Trades Hall of Glasgow
Photography | Andrew Rae Photographer
“We got engaged on the anniversary of our first date, well, actually our second first date as we were together when we were younger and had a chance meeting after four years apart. Michael had a chauffeur-driven limo take us to Hotel Colessio, where he proposed over dinner. The waitress presented me with a special book of our love story he’d made and his friend played Richard Ashcroft’s ‘You On My Mind in My Sleep’ on guitar. Couldn’t say no really!
The ceremony was the most important part for us, so securing a date with our own priest at St Andrew’s Cathedral was first on our list. For our reception, we wanted somewhere quirky and cultured, yet still traditional. We didn’t want to have to make any sacrifices with our guest list, so Trades Hall was perfect for our 160 day guests and the additional 120 at night.
The main inspiration behind our day was a traditional Scottish wedding with elements of Glaswegian culture. I enlisted Claire Barclay Draws to create a beautiful table plan which had Scots words with a personalised definition underneath. On each of the tables, I had guests’ names printed on flags which pierced Tunnocks teacakes, and since alcohol is the main ingredient in Scottish fun, there was also a selection of whisky, Chambord, prosecco and Buckfast miniatures dotted about.
Anyone with six bridesmaids will know that from the moment you open your eyes on the morning of the wedding, the party has begun! It was in full swing from 8am and by the time we arrived at the cathedral we had a wee dance with the piper before composing ourselves.
After the ceremony, our photographer took us on a walk around Merchant City and everyone was clapping and cheering from the beer gardens. I got a few hugs from various Tennents-drinking individuals but that’s exactly what I love about Glasgow and why I wanted the wedding to represent that.”
Top tip: “Make sure you spend some time together in the week before the wedding, but ensure you’re organised so you can relax. It’s hectic, stressful and manic but so worth it on the day. Also, when you’re walking up the aisle, take it slowly and look up and see all the smiling faces. You’ll want to rewind that moment and do it all again.”
Dress WED2B and an evening dress from ASOS
Bridesmaids’ outfits ASOS tops and skirts by Carolyn Baxter
Alterations Fabricated Bridal Alterations
Rings Chisholm Hunter
Groomswear Slanj Kilts and Charles Tyrwhitt ties
Cake 3D Cakes
Flowers Betty Bluebell bouquets and venue florals by Cora Anderson Floristry + Styling
Stationery Pollyanna Stationery Design and Claire Barclay Draws
Filmmaker Boda Productions
Entertainment Pulse and DJ Ciar McKinley
Transport Classic Beauford from Waterside Weddings and guest buses from Carrs Loch Lomond
Hair Amy Johnson from The Regent Corner
Makeup Bianca and Amanda from BFierce
