Groom Chris is a wedding DJ, so when he and Lisa got married, you can bet they put on a corking party. Their 160+ guests were treated to a roster of talent that included strings, a saxophonist, an eight-piece band, magician, caricaturist, DJ battle and more
Christopher Taylor and Lisa Mullen – now Mr and Mrs Taylor
2nd September 2023
Venue | Firth Pavilion at Seamill Hydro, Ayrshire
Photography | Paul Govers Photography
"Lisa and I knew each other for a few years before we got together. We always found it easy to talk to one another and figured there may have been a little spark there that could possibly ignite. One day it did – and the rest is history.
It was around 2½ years from engagement to wedding. Finding a venue was the biggie and as I am a wedding DJ, I know the pros and cons of many of them. Seamill Hydro was the first place we went to see, and we knew it was right for us straight away. The food there is outstanding.
To help us keep on top of planning, we had a colour-coded spreadsheet that we updated constantly, adding key and relevant information. As we paid deposits and then balances, we changed the colour of the spreadsheet to reflect our progress.
We wanted our 144 guests (20 more in the evening) to be well entertained as you might imagine. We kicked off with harpist Pippa Reid-Foster, accompanied by her mum on violin, playing ‘For the Love of a Princess’ from 'Braveheart' as Lisa walked down the aisle on the arm of her mum Margaret.
I will never forget the look on her face as she walked down the aisle towards me. It’s a moment I will cherish till the day I die.
During our drinks reception, we had Marshali Scott on saxophone. She performed outside and every guest was absolutely buzzing thanks to her choice of tunes in the sunshine. We also had magician Billy Reid keeping guests enthralled with card tricks while we were away getting our photos taken.
We even had entertainment during our meal. Guitarist Kim Wheeler got everyone on their feet singing and dancing. He brought the party atmosphere before the evening kicked off. Incredible eight-piece Scottish Soul Collective took over and had everyone dancing all night long. Our first dance was ‘Can I Be Him’ by James Arthur.
When guests wanted a breather from the dancefloor, they could visit Edd’s Heads to get a caricature drawn.
We also had my friend and fellow wedding DJ Steph Gee preside over a DJ battle where both Lisa and I had to choose three songs each. He played them consecutively to see whose got the best reaction. It was so well received, and the place was jumping!
Our whole bridal party played a huge part in making our wedding day so special. We are eternally grateful for all their help and support. Our eldest daughter Ruby was a junior bridesmaid and youngest Maisie was a flower girl.
My favourite part of the ceremony (other than kissing the bride, of course), was when I remote-controlled Maisie down the aisle in a white mini Mercedes convertible: she stole the show!
We had a religious ceremony led by the brilliant and funny Rev. John Murning. He christened me, my brothers and two daughters previously so we couldn’t have anyone else marry us.
House of Henderson in Stirling offered a unique colour of tartan for hire that I liked. That’s where the boys and I sorted our outfits. Lisa, meanwhile, shopped at The Wedding Planner in Helensburgh, found her Ronald Joyce dress pretty quickly, and felt well looked after by the team there.
Paul Govers is by far one of the best photographers I have worked with. He was such an integral part of our day and without him it would have been a completely different experience. He was invaluable to the smooth-running of the day and went over and above the role of photographer by helping us out with things like the kilts on the morning of the wedding.
The speeches were long, but very well read. Lisa’s mum was not planning on making a speech, but she surprised us on the day by doing an absolute blinder of one. Lisa’s grampa also said a few words, which was lovely and very emotional.
Best man Kevin also did exceptionally well and didn’t show me up too much. Mine was written from the heart – I even made up a wee poem – however it maybe went on a bit too long, ha ha.
After a family dinner at Seamill Hydro, the groomsmen and I took my youngest daughter Maisie the night before the wedding to allow the girls some time to chill. They had quite a stress-free morning, while me and the guys were running about in a mad panic trying to get everyone organised. We were nearly late for the wedding!
That was one thing that really surprised us about getting married actually: just how quick the day goes. All the planning, stress and hours of organising is over in what feels like a flash. Looking back now though, I honestly believe we had the best day ever and wouldn’t change a single thing about it.
Top tip: “Aside from entertaining your guests as much as you can, we would highly recommend booking a videographer. It’s such a quick day and at time you feel that if you blink, you will miss it. To be able to relive your big day through a video is just incredible. It melts my heart every time we watch it back.”
Venue The Firth Pavilion at Seamill Hydro
Photography Paul Govers Photography
Filmmaker Leven Films (see highlights above)
Minister Rev. John Murning
Bride’s dress, accessories and flower girl dress The Wedding Planner Helensburgh
Bridesmaid dresses David’s Bridal
Hair and makeup Laura Gray Hair Beauty Bridal
Mother-of-the-groom outfit Catherines of Partick
Groomswear House of Henderson
Rings Graham’s Jewellers
Cake Wedding Cakes by April Cottage
Cake topper Cake Toppers by Norma
Flowers Celestial Blooms
Stationery Ever After Design
Favours Homemade tablet
Venue decor Winton Weddings
Ceremony music Pippa Reid-Foster Harpist, along with her mum on violin
Drinks reception music Marshali Scott Music – Saxophonist
Pre-reception music Guitarist Kim Wheeler Music
Reception band Scottish Soul Collective
DJs Steph Gee and the groom himself, Chris Taylor DJ
Caricaturist Edd’s Heads
Magician Billy Reid Magic
Childcare Chloe’s Sitting Services
Photos: Paul Govers Photography
