Family’s hairy Highlander joke is a dream come true

FOR Suffolk-born Melissa Marsden, there was always a family joke she’d end up marrying a hairy Highlander.

And now that particular box has been well and truly ticked, as she’s just fastened hands with Dundee lad Dave Phillips during a day featuring everything from time-honoured Celtic ritual to all the boisterous fun of a modern wedding.

They’re a warm and engaging couple, who first met face-to-face in 2011.

“On March 12, to be precise,” said Melissa, 25. “We’d been chatting over the internet for a few months and just seemed to get on.”

“There was loads of flirty banter, great craic, and we decided to meet up,” added Dave, 35.

“I drove all the way to Livingston where Mel was living, getting lost along the way, as you do, and then we met.”

Dave grew up in Menzieshill, has been a postie for the last five years, and his personality matches his stature — he’s a big guy with a big presence.

“He got out of his car and the first thing I thought was, ‘I don’t like beards’,” said Melissa.

“And then I tried to give him a big hug, but just kind of walked into him — thunk!

“So, the first date was at McDonald’s and he was just the same in real life as online — funny and good to be with.

“There was never any awkward stage — we were like best pals.”

Within a few months, Melissa had moved to Dave’s place on the slopes of the Law and, as a couple, they’ve never looked back.

“It’s funny that we really work,” said Melissa.

“We have totally different tastes. Dave loves heavy metal and I’m into R&B. I’m happiest when I’m at home and he’s more of a party animal.

“And there was nothing in the house when I got there. It was a total guy’s place. I think that the only decoration on the wall was a sword.” Since then, of course, Melissa has been giving the residence a woman’s touch — the sword has been replaced with family pictures, and almost exactly one year ago, two became three when the lovely Erin came along. Dave’s already a dad and his eightyear-old daughter, Brook, instantly became a devoted big sister. Melissa said: “I’d always wanted to get married one day, I’d met the right guy, we’d had a lovely bairn and I wanted him to propose — so I started dropping hints.” Or, as Dave puts it: “She started going on and on about it.” It didn’t take much for Dave to cave in and he proposed five years ago — he knew she was the one and he’s such a chilled character that the wedding itself was never going to hold any terrors. “Dave said, ‘You organise it, I’ll turn up’,” said Melissa. “And that suited me, because I love being the organiser.” The big day took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, with 50 of their closest family and friends — and many more at the reception. Best man was Dave’s big brother, Eddie, while maid of honour was Melissa’s big sister, Leanne, from Livingston, and she was given away by her dad, Stephen, who travelled up from England. The couple wrote their own vows and Dave was the hairy Highlander Melissa had always dreamed of, suitably attired in Scottish National Tartan, complete with plaid. It was a superb affair and special thanks go to Downfield Studio Photography for capturing the day, and to Claire Webster, from Cakes By Claire, Dundee. They enjoyed a short “familymoon” in the Lake District and now they’re home, settling back into their chilled and loved-up life. And Melissa even sort of likes the beard now.

Dave and Melissa give their wedding day a big thumbs-up.