The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Highland couple keep on trucking on wedding day
Marriage: Breakdown trucks adapted and used to ferry guests to reception
One truck-loving couple have taken their obsession to another level by getting hitched surrounded by their favourite motors.
Jamie Stevenson and Claire Shannon, of Spean Bridge, exchanged vows at the family vehicle recovery business where they both work.
The couple, who have three children, had two giant pick-ups specially decorated for their big day and even converted two lorries to transport guests to the reception. They live just a few yards from the ADJ Stevenson depot.
Mr Stevenson, 26, admitted his bride-to-be didn’t initially burst with excitement at his masterplan for their big day.
He said: “Claire looked puzzled at first but soon came around to the idea. The place is so dear to us and I couldn’t think of anywhere better.
“Besides, wehave a beautiful view over the picturesque Loch Lochy, part of the Great Glen.
“We decided to go ahead with getting married there because the kids would be more relaxed and happier to see their mum and dad marry close to where they live.”
Mr Stevenson works for his father near For t William, where he recovers and repairs broken down vehicles.
Speaking about her initial reaction to the wedding plans, Mrs Stevenson, 27, said: “I was surprised to say the least. Not everyone gets married at work, especially when it’s a breakdown and recovery business.
“However, we settled there and have three children so it’s our whole lives. Now, I can’t think of anything more romantic.”
The breakdown trucks were used as wedding cars, adorned in romantic ribbons and specially adapted lorries ferried guests to the reception.
Mr Stevenson added: “We fitted a baby seat to one truck, so our 14-monthold Archie, could be with us.
“My dad took our other children Stuart, seven, and Shannon, four, safely strapped in another truck behind us.
“When Claire agreed to be my partner she knew how much cars and trucks were to me.
“They aremy second love after family.”
The couple has been together for nine years since they met at college in Inverness.
He was studying to be a mechanic and she was on an early years learning course.
Mrs Stevenson recalled: “Our first date was a drive around the town in Jamie’s car. He was handsome and quite a catch.
“We are still completely devoted to each other.”
Mr Stevenson added: “Hopefully we will be able to look back on our wedding photos and tell our grandchildren.”
“Claire looked puzzled at first but soon came around to the idea”