These World Travelers Had An Accessible Wedding With Wheelchairs Designed By The Groom
In a whimsical celebration that embodied the essence of joy, Sarah Craig of Joy Story Photography captured the heartwarming union of Zara and Alex. The event took place on March 11th, 2023, in the charming surroundings of City Halls and Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow, Scotland. With her signature warmth and dedication, Sarah went beyond simply capturing the special moments – she was an extension of the couple’s support system, ensuring a seamless experience on their big day.
As she eloquently puts it, ‘You deserve this kind of solid backup because you’re a ridiculously nice person, you see the good in life, and you believe everyone deserves joy.’
So what makes this an accessible wedding?
Sarah was fortunate enough to connect with Zara and Alex, a dynamic couple who have explored the world together thanks in large part to Alex’s innovative design skills. His crowning achievement is a high-tech powerchair specifically created for wheelchair users like himself, who grew up with cerebral palsy. The chair’s features were directly influenced by his experiences navigating a world often neglecting the needs of disabled individuals.
To learn more about his life and work, visit the Freedom One Life website.
The journey to finding an accessible wedding venue
The wedding of this lovely couple took place in Glasgow, not their hometown of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find any wheelchair-accessible venues in Edinburgh, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in making weddings inclusive for everyone. However, their perseverance paid off when they discovered the stunning City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, a historic concert hall dating back to the mid-19th century. This magnificent space became the perfect backdrop for their reception.
But before that, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony, beautifully captured by Sarah just prior to the grand celebration.
Here’s Zara the bride arriving in style to their accessible wedding!
As we embark on a joyous celebration, I’d like to extend a warm welcome from myself, my dear friends, and loved ones. The excitement is palpable as we gather to share in the love and commitment of the happy couple.
Let’s see the uh-mazing outfits at this accessible wedding
Alex brought his A-game in a stylish tartan suit from MacGregor and MacDuff as he stood out among the joyful chaos surrounding Zara’s big day. The atmosphere was electric as Sarah expertly captured the bride-to-be’s infectious enthusiasm, her face aglow with happiness at the sight of her groom. And what a perfect backdrop for this unforgettable moment – the breathtaking cherry blossom trees! It was as if royalty had descended upon the venue, and we can’t get enough of that regal treatment.
The rings exchanged, the kiss sealed, and the newlyweds basked in the glow of their special day, with Sarah snapping away to preserve every precious memory at this stunningly accessible wedding.
Check out the seating chart for the reception at this accessible wedding
Zara and Alex’s travel tales are well-documented, but what might not be as familiar is the whimsical touch they bring to their celebrations. Take a look at their custom-designed seating chart, for instance. It’s a visual representation of their adventurous spirits and love of exploration.
But that’s not all – this stunning Cake of the World from 3D Cakes is a true masterpiece!
With its intricate details and vibrant colors, it’s no wonder Zara and Alex chose to make it the centerpiece of their celebration. We’re just along for the ride, enjoying every sweet moment!
Notice the cake toppers at this accessible wedding?
It’s clear that a great deal of attention to detail and creativity has gone into crafting this masterpiece. The sheer number of Legos is truly impressive, with the powerchair likely serving as an inspiration for many of the intricate designs.
Wondering if people boogie down at accessible weddings?
Sarah had never witnessed a traditional Scottish dance, the cèilidh, performed by someone in a wheelchair before. But this group of friends and family, who are all differently-abled, didn’t let that stop them from having a blast. And what a show they put on! Kathryn, the celebrant overseeing the event, had a special connection to the couple as old friends. This allowed her to craft a ceremony that perfectly captured Zara and Alex’s unique love story, values, and adventures together.
It was an honor for her to share in this moment with them and their guests. With love and Alex’s impressive tech skills guiding them, there’s no doubt where their next adventure will take them.
Vendors:
For the special day, the couple opted for a unique and intimate setting at City Halls and Old Fruitmarket. The photographer capturing all the joyous moments was Joy Story, who can be found on Instagram as @joystoryphoto. To officiate their union, they chose Celebrant Kathryn, whose handle is @KPS_Celebrant. Adding to the charm were beautiful flowers from Under The Pear Tree and a stylish suit provided by MacGregor and MacDuff, which can also be found on Instagram at @macgregorandmacduff.
No celebration would be complete without an indulgent sweet treat, courtesy of 3D Cakes (@3d_cakes) and Lolly’s Ice Cream (@lollysicecream). To keep things lively, they brought in the talents of Top Class Magic and White Doves, who are both active on Instagram as @topclassmagic and @white_doves1. A second shooter was also present to capture all the special moments from Lauren Stirling Photography’s perspective, which can be found at @laurenstirlingphotography.
For those in need of assistance, Freedom One Life (@Freedomonelifeltd) provided wheelchairs for the occasion.
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