There’s nothing better than hearing the stories of our customer's special day, and as weddings are a big part of what we do, we get to hear a lot of them! While the stories themselves are brilliant, we’ve noticed that these brides and grooms actually hold a lot of great advice for other people who are still on their wedding journey. That’s why we thought we’d start sharing these stories and this is Lou and Shaf’s.
Lou is Scottish and Shaf is half English and half Pakistani. Shaf explained that his ambition was to represent Lou’s side of the family by wearing a kilt and represent his Pakistani heritage with his jacket. Shaf had never worn a kilt before so got in touch with us about visiting our London kilt fitting service. We asked him why he chose MacGregor and MacDuff to which he replied “The level of service when enquiring online, the huge range of tartans, and being able to have an appointment in London was a big factor. The price was very reasonable and we also liked lots of MacGregor and MacDuff’s pictures on social media for styling ideas.”
Shaf bought his Asian-style jacket and waistcoat before he had chosen a tartan which from our experience can make finding the right tartan a little tricky. However, Shaf explained that this was no problem thanks to our huge selection of tartans and he was even able to find a tartan that also tied in with the bridesmaid dresses' colour. As you can see from the photos, he chose the County Tyrone tartan and we have to agree, it was perfect for his wedding.
We asked Shaf what he thought of his overall experience dealing with us at our London kilt fitting service and he said, “Great! From being able to get measured and choose a tartan in London but knowing it would be made properly in Scotland to sourcing the right tartan, choosing accessories, and even managing to get a faux fur sporran made specially, the service was second to none.”
Lou and Shaf got married at Cornhill Castle and Shaf’s family stayed at Toftcombs Mansion which is located just a few miles down the road. Shaf told us that because they all live in different parts of the world and due to covid restrictions, it was the first time they had all been together at the same time. Everyone except Shaf's brother, who was, unfortunately, the only one who couldn't make the journey because of Australia's strict travel rules. “I have a massive family so it was a miracle to get 99% of them there!”
We asked the newlyweds what the best part of their big day was and the reply we got summed things up rather beautifully. “Having almost all of both our families there, after such an uncertain time with covid, (My dad almost never got there because of red list restrictions from Pakistan), as well as other factors in the mix, it was just a miracle we had almost everyone there. We used to think people exaggerated when they say ‘it’s the best day of their lives' but it really was! We both loved every minute of the day and even 7 months on, people are still telling us how much they enjoyed it. We wanted everyone to just have the best time and feel included as people were traveling a long way. We were smiling the entire day, our cheeks hurt by the end of the night!”
Now for the most important question, we asked them what advice they have for future brides and grooms. The reply was once again, spot on. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the little details and stress about table plans or napkins or the guest list but it will all be worth it on the day. Try to enjoy the planning and don’t wish the time away, as it's over before you know it. Just remember it’s about you two, don’t feel you HAVE to do the ‘done thing’ if it’s not ‘you’. That being said, keep your guests entertained and fed and they’ll be happy! Enjoy every minute because it does fly by so quickly - oh and get your kilt from MacGregor & MacDuff!”
Congratulations Lou and Shaf, it looked like a spectacular day! Thank you for trusting MacGregor and MacDuff with your highlandwear and well done choosing your tartan, you did a great job.
Venue - www.cornhillcastle.co.uk/
Photographer - www.lifetimephotography.co.uk/
Dress - www.essensedesigns.com/
Jacket - www.instagram.com/shalinis_london/
