Pandemic’s knot gonna stop us...
David and Allison get married in father’s garden to beat the lockdown
Two love birds managed to tie the knot against all the odds.
Not even a global pandemic could stop Allison Craig and David Elliot from getting hitched in lockdown.
The happy couple had planned to get married by David’s dad, Rev Kenneth Elliot, at Craigie Symington Parish Church with a reception in the Western House Hotel before Covid cancelled those plans.
But desperate not to let the virus get in the way the pair organised an impromptu ceremony in the back garden of David’s parents home, the Manse of Prestwick South Parish Church.
David told the Post: “We just really wanted to get married and decided we couldn’t wait.
“In May, it became apparent restrictions wouldn’t allow our wedding to go ahead as planned.
“But we decided it would still be great if we could still go ahead with it in my mum and dad’s back garden.
“We only had two weeks to plan it but we managed it and it was just a wonderful day.
“There’s not been many good stories going about lately so we just wanted to do something that would make people smile.”
Allison, 27, and David, 28, met on a school trip to Krakow back in their Prestwick Academy days in 2010.
They were determined to mark a decade of love with the ultimate commitment and the pair were delighted not to let the pandemic scupper those plans.
Rev Kenneth, Minister of Craigie Symington Parish Church and Prestwick South Parish Church, conducted the ceremony in his back garden and the groom said: “It was a bit different, but it felt pretty special getting married by my dad.
“There was 12 of our close family and friends there too so it was really nice.
“It’s just a shame we still had to stay socially distanced but other than that it was a fantastic day.
“The weather stayed dry and it was great to still be able to celebrate with everyone.”
When it came to the signing of the marriage licence Allison and David were actually able to sit on a Prestwick South Church pew.
When part of the church was modernised in 2013 several pews were removed and bought by members of the congregation.
One such pew was purchased by Rev Kenneth for the Manse – and he was delighted it was able to take on a new role at the wedding.
After the ceremony Allison and David, who now live together in Troon, were whisked off to the Rascarrel Bay Lodges, near Castle Douglas, for a stunning Scottish honeymoon.
The pair plan to celebrate properly with friends and family at Western House Hotel next year when restrictions are lifted.