Stage 2 - time to get dressed. First of all, putting a kilt on is a lot more complicated than putting on a tux. Note to self: double the time you think you will need. LOL I am sure it gets easier each time.
There are also a lot more accessories than you think. I think David had double the trinkets to put on that Rachel had. :)
Sporran, cuff links, broach, pin, garters and the sgian dubh ( the wee knife in your socks just in case :)
David has everything laid out downstairs for the boys, it was looking a wee bit like a hockey locker room. His gift to his groomsmen were cufflinks with their name and hockey jersey number on.
By the time I got downstairs the boys were all in their boxers (thank goodness they still had them on :).
Shirts were easy. Seems like none of us remembered the put your socks, garters and shoes on before your kilt directions from Linda of the
Scottish Company . Btw Linda and her staff were amazing, if you are ever looking for a kilt to buy or wear, check out her company. (and far cheaper than a tux)
After the shirts the boys started with their kilts.
Left over right, right over left, lots of laughter as they figured it out. Yes there was one kilt on backwards with the pleats at the front :). 30 year old men did not want to put the waist band up as high as it needed to go, but they did realize when they looked down that the kilt being over their knee socks looked pretty comical. So up the kilts were hiked. They probably haven't wore anything that high up since they were 5 year olds.
Pretty soon, the boys realized that somethings were easier with a helping hand. These buckles were not the easiest things to do up. We still haven't got to the sporran or shoes.
The basement resounded with laughter as the boys flicked their hips to feel the pleats move.
Jim's tux was on in about 5 minutes, he came down to enjoy the laughter. Thankfully Jay was there to lend a hand.
Everything was progressing pretty smoothly until the SHOES and the fancy laces. Do them up, looking good, walk 2 steps and down the laces came.
Expert help is needed, over to the iPad to look up how to tie your Scottish shoes on Youtube and Google.
The final piece of apparel, of course, is a beer :)
David is the last one to finish up as he put on all his bits and bobs.
The dashing Father of the Groom, also known as Coach to a few of the lads. Between hockey and soccer he been used to helping and coaching these men since they were in Opti-Hockey.
Yep still working on the shoes. I was starting to think the wee knife was there to cut the laces off with.
The chariot has arrived and we are finally ready to go. Imagine if they had to do hair and make-up we would have missed the wedding.
Somehow I was distracted when the whistle blew to "remove your underwear". Now we know what you put in your sporran along with your phone :). How could they resist. Good job I used my wide angle lense and not the zoom :) Knowing most of these boys since they were 5, and helping do up hockey uniforms and skates over the years, there wasn't much they could do that would surprise me. I can't thank them enough for being such good friends to David and our family.
As I look forward to walking down the aisle with my David in a kilt, it was impossible not to feel the prescence of my mom and dad today. My mom loved her silver charm bracelet and her wee thistle broach, so out of the jewellery box they came and I know as David walked me to my seat that they were following along with huge smiles on their faces.
Thumbs up and the groom is ready to go. Might need some help on his shoes when we get to the church. Thankfully the piper, David Veitch, will be more than happy to help tie up loose ends. LOL
