By: I.J. Castillo
Ontario, Canada
Imagine getting married in a medieval castle enveloped in history, legends and myths, and exchanging vows among an array of fine antique furniture, sculptures, and impressive collection of medieval portraits as the backdrop.
Envision further being walked by your father in an 800 year-old great stone wheel-staircase, richly festooned with original arms and armours, tapestries, and other valuable work of arts that dates back to the 13thcentury
In these modern days and technological age that scenario would seem only a fantasy, a genre reserved for royalties or a scene from Disneyworld. However, for Sheila Catalina Diaz it was certainly what she had wished for, and it came true when she and Ian Alexander Bremner held a dream wedding in a real medieval castle.
The magnificent 13th century Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire, considered one of the “baronial castles in Scotland and often described as a palace”, provided an ideal and romantic private venue for Sheila and Ian’s wedding ceremony.
They tied the knot on October 10, 2010- the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year or simply 10-10-10. This perfect 10’s comes once in every century which only heightened the romance and magic of Sheila and Ian’s wedding. Sheila and Ian could have not chosen a better wedding day; this is a lucky date according to Chinese beliefs and ardent numerologists.
Deviating from the traditional candle lighting by a pair of candle sponsors, Sheila and Ian asked their family and close friends to join them in lighting the Unity Candle to affirm their love. This symbolic ceremony not only joins the bride and the groom as one, but also unites two families, two groups of friends and two cultures as one.
Concluding the seven-part ceremony, the new Mr. & Mrs. Ian and Sheila Bremner happily marched through the recessional amidst the chorus of congratulations and best wishes, and to the piano rendition of The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love”.
The newlyweds were later joined by immediate families and close friends from Canada, England and Scotland in a formal yet intimate dinner reception at Thainstone House Hotel, an 18th century Palladian Mansion in the idyllic meadows of Aberdeenshire.
Sheila is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Isagani (Gani) and Perla Villanueva-Diaz of Ontario, Canada (formerly of Imus, Cavite and Cavinti, Laguna respectively), while Ian is the son of Mr. & Mrs. John and Effie Bremner of Aberdeen, Scotland. The new couple has chosen to settle in a quiet neighborhood in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Following is Sheila and Ian’s montage in sequence of wedding photos:
