Will Bear go to the ball?

Our guest blogging groom, Gordon has found the love of his life (the lovely Euan), and now just needs to find a venue that will welcome their beloved fur baby, Bear. Last time they thought they’d found the one, only to be left bitterly disappointed. Here’s hoping things go more smoothly this time! Over to Gordon…

So, March 2018 comes quickly enough, in fact far too quickly because not only has Euan started his pharmacy course, I’ve quit my job, we’ve moved to a new house (number 3 to number 4 on the same street thankfully) and I’m in the process of opening a brand new B&B called Bamse B&B. Bamse is a Norwegian naval dog buried here in Montrose and Bamse means teddy bear in English. But you’re here to hear about our wedding plans.

The first hotel we view this time is an amazing building, the outdoor space is fantastic – we could easily imagine our wedding here. Outdoor ceilidh, fire pit, open BBQ – just an amazing space and Bear would be welcome with open arms. Downsides, not sure where all 200 guests will go if (when) it rains cause I’m not sure about you, but I don’t trust the Scottish weather that much.

The next venue has open fires, lots of wonderful wood-panelled rooms and amazing grounds, so plenty of room for Bear to run around. One problem, and it may be my sensitivity after the hotel we visited on our previous trip, but I felt we were not viewed as ‘upmarket enough’ for the venue, either way if I’m not comfortable then we probably don’t want our all-important day here.

I have to say I started to have doubts here, were we asking too much? Maybe we should just have our special day without baby Bear? Perhaps just a tiny wedding with us, two witnesses and Bear?

Let me tell you why I want a big day. I was 30 when I met Euan and I met him in Edinburgh’s gay night club CC Blooms, honestly it was meant to be a one-night stand. I had given up on meeting someone at this point. It wasn’t a one-night stand or it was and it went on and on, not only did we get together but he stuck around. With my brother passing away and a rough separation from my parents, people sticking around was not something I was used to. Well I want to share this amazing day with all my friends – the one’s who have stood by me, keeping me going till I met Euan. So no, I’m not picking two friends, it’s impossible, so a small wedding is equally improbable.

Well if nothing else we’re having a great day out touring Edinburgh’s venues so, next on the list is a place we visited last time. We’re back here again for two reasons. Firstly, it was a close contender before our initial venue choice and secondly, when we first viewed the venue I had forgotten that I had a mutual friend with the operations director that runs the venue and I had met him many times, good man. Well he offered us a personal tour – first, Bear was given an access-all-areas pass, well that’s a big tick. Secondly, I can get them to order in whatever drink I like – OK, second tick. We tour the library (who doesn’t want to get married in a library?), gardens and original old Edinburgh building – it’s just stunning and eclectic. And the event hall is big, bright and airy – a huge blank canvas to make our reception what we will. I’m thinking casino, bouncy castle outside, ceilidh, whisky barrels – my mind’s all over the place with the potential. Finally things are looking up!

The last venue we visit is The Hub, again we’ve never been here and we’re met by a young lady called Hannah. Now you know that old saying when you meet someone you can tell a lot from their handshake, well Hannah must have taken this to heart as I’m a rugby player and a big lad and when I clasped hands with Hannah it was all I could do to not cry out and keep the surprise from my face; iron grip. If you’ve never been to The Hub, it’s just down from the castle so iconic setting, grand staircase, beautiful big hall with the most vibrant blue (and I don’t even like blue) I’ve ever seen as the main colour in the hall, balcony where we can have the ceremony whilst overlooking the main hall. After a tour, Hannah sits us down and we chat over a green tea – this is where I’m impressed, instead of giving us a list of reasons why we should book, Hannah starts a conversation of how we envision our day and what we’re looking for and the conversation starts flowing and time passes and I realise I’m very comfortable with this girl, so the big question comes along, Bear? I think we surprised her, though she hides it well, I’m guessing there’s never been a dog in The Hub before. For the ceremony; fine no problem, The full day; sorry not possible.

Well it had been a long day, so Euan and I jump back on the train to Montrose where we can have some decompression and reflection time. We go through our caveats and voice our thoughts, neither of us is happy to pin the day entirely on good weather so that’s a no to the first hotel and we both feel the same about the next venue – not quite comfortable enough. So, that just leaves two.

I can see Euan’s in love with The Hub, his eyes light up whenever we talk about it and when Euan’s enthusiastic about something it’s like watching a puppy at play – how can I say no? And I have to say, I’m very impressed with Hannah so I think ‘Why not ask for a little more’, as I’m not sure on the idea of Bear not being there all day? I drop Hannah an email saying they’re our first-choice venue, but another venue will allow Bear all day long and this is a deal breaker for us, she says “leave it with me and I’ll get back to you in a week.”

Oh Gordon, you do love to leave us in suspense! We’re keeping everything crossed that there will be a happy ending to this venue hunt and that Bear shall go to the ball! x