Ruaraidh & Carlos

22.06.2024

About Ruaraidh and Carlos
Ruaraidh and Carlos met on 22nd June 2016 at a busy bar in Soho. Carlos was half an hour late which led Ruaraidh to be half a bottle of wine down before his arrival, suffice to say this was not the fairytale meeting Ruaraidh had hoped for with his lifelong dream of being a Disney Prince or Princess (he was never fussy).

Carlos (luckily) did not listen to his colleagues' advice to block Ruaraidh across all forms of contact and instead, after a grovelling phone call which turned into a general chat of things to do and dates to come, agreed to a second date. Carlos having just moved to London from Essex was keen to explore and the next month saw them walking around much of London and often ending up on Westminster Bridge to take in the city and remind themselves they were living life in London, just as Ruaraidh had done when he first moved to the big smoke.

After a stint in New York, new jobs, new flats and new flatmates Ruaraidh and Carlos moved in together with friends and have become experts on much of West London as well as a stint in Clapham - allowing Carlos to get to Gatwick and Ruaraidh to outlive his Joey & Chandler fantasy with best mate Stu.

Now settled in West Kensington with retreats to Belgravia to look after Monty, their favourite Flat-coat, 22nd June 2022 came along and with a recreation of an initial date (not the first), Ruaraidh got down on one knee on Westminster Bridge, to ask Carlos to do the rest of his life with him. Carlos thankfully said yes, much to the bemusement of passersby who assumed he had rejected the proposal, pulling Ruaraidh up from one knee so quickly, that a no, was the only likely response.

They are so thrilled to be spending their day, celebrating their story and the part you all play in it from supportive friends, and loving family to family friends who have been a part of their story long before 22nd June 2016. Today is not only a celebration but a thank you for you and the part you have played.

Our Wedding

We are thrilled you can be a part of our day and thank you all for making the effort to be there. We know many will be unable to make it, so we'll be thinking of you and raising a glass (or bottle)!

Our day will be a total reflection of us as a couple and our families with the day set to feel intimate. Yes, Carlos did have a large part to play in all of this and, no, Ruaraidh was not the groomzilla you all expected. We've planned for a memorable day which we can't wait to share.

Married for

1

year

6

months

20

days

The Ceremony

When

22nd June 2024, 13:30

Where

St Columba's, Pont Street, London, SW1X 0BD, United Kingdom

The Reception

The Caledonian Club

9 Halkin St
London
SW1X 7DR

Following the ceremony please join Ruaraidh & Carlos to toast the new Drummond Martinez's at The Caledonian Club (see a theme?) there will be a light drinks reception, followed by dinner, speeches and dancing.

Several taxis will be made available to and from the venue, alternatively please walk with Ruaraidh & Carlos to the reception as they take their first steps as a married couple together.

Carriages: Midnight

Dress Code:
Ruaraidh will be in his kilt and Carlos in a suit and tie.
Suit and tie for men and cocktail (below the knee) for women - highland dress always encouraged.

Which Airport is best?:
Ruaraidh & Carlos would suggest flying into Heathrow, this is an easy tube to West London where the ceremony and reception will be taking place. Alternatively, Gatwick will also get you into Victoria easily using the Gatwick Express (Ruaraidh does want to point out, he refers to this as a 'faff')

Are children welcome?:
Babes in arms are welcome, Ruaraidh & Carlos both have large families with lots of children so are unable to accommodate all. Please reach out to them for further clarification if needed.

Can I bring a +1?
The Venue is only able to accommodate a limited number of guests, unless Carlos and Ruaraidh have specified they are afraid they will have to celebrate with you and your +1 another time.

What time should I arrive?
As you can imagine Ruaraidh & Carlos have planned an entrance, so please arrive with plenty of time to find your seat - they would suggest 1pm.

Is the Church and venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Transport:
Uber and FreeNow are the most reliable apps for taxis around London. Ruaraidh & Carlos will arrange for cars to the venue for those who are unable to walk (roughly 15 minutes).

The venue will arrange for some taxis to be onsite at the end of the evening, should you have any special requests or concerns please speak to reception at the venue.

The Reception:
The Reception will be indoors so no need to worry about the weather!

The Bar:
Ruaraidh & Carlos love a good party and will be providing wine, beer and fizz. The wedding will be a spirits-free event, if you need something stronger to get you on the dance floor they suggest a hipflask...

The Wedding Party:

Ruaraidh:
Best People: Andrew Drummond, Maggie Rait, Marie Clare Tully & Christian Drummond
Groom's People: Georgia Black, Jessica Howard-Johnston, Karolina Tornqvist, Rebecca Harrison & Stuart Mackenzie

Carlos:
Best People: Manny Martinez, Ricardo Martinez & Marcos Martinez
Groom's People: Nina Hayrettin & Rebecca Burgin

Minister:
Angus MacLeod & Norman Drummond

Witnesses:
Karolina Tornqvist & Samuel Playfair

Wedding Hashtag:
#DrummondMartinez #⚽💎

RSVP

Please let Ruaraidh & Carlos know if you can make their special day, and within the message share any dietary requirements and a song that will get you on the dance floor.

Please only RSVP for those included in your invitation
RSVP now

Special Request

For those that are no longer with us

Ruaraidh and Carlos would like to share the final hymn of their ceremony below. Please read over it and be ready to lift the roof as we hold together, in our hearts, those who are no longer with us and who would have so loved to celebrate this day, as we all wish they were here every day. 

[Verse 1]
I, the Lord of sea and sky
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save

I, who made the stars of night
I will make their darkness bright
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

[Chorus]
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

[Verse 2]
I, the Lord of snow and rain
I have borne my people's pain
I have wept for love of them
They turn away
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I will break their hearts of stone
Give them hearts for love alone
I will speak my words to them
Whom shall I send?

[Chorus]
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

[Verse 3]
I, the Lord of wind and flame
I will tend the poor and lame
I will set a feast for them
My hand will save

Finest bread I will provide
'Til their hearts be satisfied
I will give my life to them
Whom shall I send?

[Chorus]
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night
I will go, Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart

Hotel Recommendations

Below are a few options for hotels close to both the church and venue - it's a busy weekend in London so we suggest getting bookings in quickly.

The Goring

0.75 miles More details

Strathmore Hotel

0.79 miles More details

K Hotel Kensington

1.04 miles More details

1 Lexham Gardens Hotel

1.16 miles More details

The Beverley Hotel

0.97 miles More details

Get in touch

Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ruaraidh and Carlos directly. Alternatively please fill out the contact form below and they will come back to you.