Subscribe to get notifications of all our latest postshttp://www.themill.co.uk/blogOur Groom at the weekend was more than excited about coming to The Mill Forge to marry his beautiful bride.<br /><br />Celebration was doubled when guess what!!<br /><br />Answers on a postcard please.<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/05/double-celebration ..the reason the bride stands on the grooms left was to leave his right hand free to draw his sword, so he can protect her!<br /><br />Since grooms in early Anglo-Saxon England often had to defend their brides during the wedding ceremony, the lady would stand to the left of her future husband so that his sword arm would be free. It was also customary for the groom to hold onto his bride with the left hand. Thus, by association, the bride's family and guests sit on the left side of the church.<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/05/did-you-knowA common sight at the Mill Forge is the daily delivery of wedding flowers.<br /><br />The local florists arrive and we never tire of seeing the different arrangements. Bouquets, corsages, button holes, cake toppers, table arrangements and presentation baskets all make up a beautiful sight and the fragrance sets the day off to a great start.<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/05/a-common-sight-at-the-mill-forgeIt's always sad to say goodbye to one of our friends and colleagues, especially when they have been a valued member of our team for over eight years. So we all went out for a meal and some drinks last night to wish Donna well - and let her know how much we're going to miss her.<br /><br />She's moving on from working with brides and grooms to working with toddlers - a very natural progression some might say! And as Donna is a busy wife and mother, the hours will suit her better and give her school holidays off. ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/04/farewell-donnaThis groom and his best man found an unorthodox way to fill in some time while waiting for the bride to arrive. <br /><br />However, it doesn't look like a very even contest - and the best man has obviously lifted his elbow off the anvil. Unfair ref!!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/04/may-the-best-man-winCraig has been been playing the bagpipes since he was seven years old and always knew this was what he wanted to do when he grew up. He now makes his living by piping brides and grooms to of their wedding ceremonies in and around Gretna Green.<br /><br /> He's a real practical joker and keeps everyone on their toes.<br /><br />He was a little stumped the other day when a bride asked if he could play Mull of Kintyre as they walked to the chapel as it had been her grandmother's favourite tune. It was a tune he hadn't ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/04/meet-craig-the-piperA group of local runners gathered in The Mill Forge car park today to be collected by The One Show minibus and taken to their starting point at Kirkpatrick Fleming to join the other runners and run their mile for Sport Relief. <br /><br />The group were passing though our region on their way from The Isle of Mull in Scotland to The Mall in London in 10 days from 16th March. <br /><br />Congratulations and well done to all the runners!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/03/the-one-show-1000-sport-reliefOne of our ministers used this blessing in The Mill Forge today.<br />Lovely words for a wedding ceremony !!<br /><br />&quot;Now you will feel no rain,<br />For each of you will be shelter to the other.<br />Now you will feel no cold,<br />For each of you will be warmth to the other.<br />Now there is no more loneliness for you.<br />For each of you will be companion to the other.<br />Now you are two bodies,<br />But there is only one Life before you.<br />Go now to your dwelling place,<br />To enter into the days of your togetherness.<br />And may your ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/03/a-gaelic-blessingWe know it's fashionable to wear posh wellies to music festivals now - a good idea to keep your feet warm and dry when you're up to your ankles in mud. <br /><br />But we can only assume this bride had heard that it rains a lot in Scotland because she arrived prepared for anything the weather could throw at her! <br /><br />Thankfully, the day remained dry and fine and the bride looked lovely and glamorous nevertheless!<br /><br />May we wish you many years of happiness.<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/03/gorgeous,-glamorous-gum-bootsIt's always an emotional moment in The Mill Forge when the minister says, &quot;You may now kiss the bride...&quot;<br /><br />Mothers weep, fathers give a manly cough into their hankies to hide a tear, flower girls jump up and down - and the groom kisses his radiant bride.<br /><br />However, our wonderful minister Jack Strachan gets very caught up in the moment as you can well see - this groom had a bit of a choice to make... hmmm, let me think, shall I kiss the bride or the minister? <br />Thankfully, he made the right choice and opted for ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/03/pucker-up<em><strong>Be they traditional, tall, tiny or tickled pink .<br />Blonde, brunette, brushed or back-combed. </strong></em><br /><br /><strong><em>With friends, family, flower-girls, footloose or fancy-free. </em><br /></strong><em><strong>A bit shy, short, showy or shaking<br />Quiet, quick, quarrelsome or quirky...</strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong> We love them all.</strong><br /></em><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/02/we-love-our-bridesEach year in Britain, we spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine's Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays we often make it clear who is sending each 'Valentine'<br /><br />It is said Spring begins on St Valentine's Day, the day on which birds chose their mates.<br /><br />This year it is also the day that 7 couples exchange their vows over the Anvil in The Mill Forge.<br /><br />Will You Be Mine?<br />Valentine, you make me silly;<br />You make my heart beat willy-nilly;<br />When I'm with you, the world is hazy;<br />Valentine, you ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/02/who-says-romance-is-deadThe first snowdrops have appeared at The Mill Forge and they make a very welcome sight, reminding us that Spring is just around the corner.<br /><br />Did you know that another name for a snowdrop is Candlemas bell? And how appropriate that I'm uploading this photo today because Candlemas is 2nd February! <br /> <br />Just for the record, snowdrops are also known as Mary's taper, Snow piercer, February fairmaids and Dingle-dangles!<br /><br />&#160;<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/02/early-flowersHere's Nikki, one of our wonderful Duty Managers, doing what she does best. She's ready and waiting for a wedding party to arrive after their ceremony in The Mill Forge and I'm sure she'll be a very welcome sight.<br /><br />Although her job involves lots of running around and sometimes quite long hours, Nikki's not complaining: &quot;It's so pleasant to be able to serve happy, smiling customers all the time. The wedding parties are always in the mood to celebrate. There's quite a sense of relief after the actual ceremony is over and everyone is ready to have a drink ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/02/drinks-on-demand&quot;My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose&quot; Beautiful words in Scots by Robert Burns 1794<br /><br />0, my love is like a red, red rose,<br />that's newly sprung in June.<br />0, my love is like a melody,<br />that's sweetly play'd in tune.<br /><br />As fair thou art, my bonnie lass,<br />so deep in love am I,<br />And I will love thee still, my dear,<br />till a' the seas gang dry.<br /><br />Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,<br />and the rocks melt wi' the sun!<br />And I will love thee still, my dear,<br />while the sands of life ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/01/25 January, Robert Burns Day or Burns Night Burns Nicht, A time to celebrateCruella de Vil definitely didn't get an invitation to this wedding at The Mill Forge today - and the other 99 Dalmatians had to wait outside! <br /><br /><br />But these two cute canine characters, all dressed up in their best waistcoats, made the most of their starring role. And the bride and groom were obviously 'dotty' about them...<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/01/spot-the-happy-coupleThis handsome chap turned up as a guest at a wedding at The Mill Forge and instantly won a number of hearts. <br /><br />He was extremely patient, with impeccable manners and was in great demand to appear in all the photos. We thought he was one of the nicest good luck charms we've seen in a long while and were very tempted just to keep him!<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/01/man’s-best-friendPlease contact us on 01461 800344 to check availability and discuss any questions you may have.<br /><br />Let us help you arrange your perfect Wedding Day at an affordable price. <br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2012/01/the-mill-forge-special-offers-extendedA guid New Year to yin an' a'<br />An' mony may ye see,<br />An' during a' the years to come,<br />O happy may ye be.<br /><br />And let us wish that yin an'a'<br />Our friends baith far an' near,<br />May aye enjoy in times to come -<br />A hearty guid New Year!<br /><br /><strong><em>From all at The Mill Forge.</em><br /></strong><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/12/a-guid-new-year-to-yin-an-aChristmas time is upon us once more,<br />Time for mistletoe, wine &amp; parties galore!<br />Enjoy the festive period - It's the Season of &quot;Good Cheer&quot;<br /><br />We all wish you. Merry Christmas <br /><br />&amp; A Prosperous New Year!<br /><br />From all at The Mill<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/12/merry-christmasI couldn't resist sharing this wedding picture with you.<br /><br />Perfect mild weather, a backdrop of the water wheel at The Forge, a beautiful bride resplendent in her red dress, a groom looking handsome in his kilt and a wonderful carriage and horses to match. <br /><br />What could be more perfect? Quite makes you want to get married!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/12/lady-in-red-and-horseIn case you're wondering, thats not the paparazzi loitering in the undergrowth but our arty photographer Colin - determined as always to get the best angle for the shot. You must agree it's going to make a lovely picture...<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/12/who-is-hiding-in-the-treeEach morning when we come into the office there is a friendly little face waiting to greet us......... <br /><br />A cute little robin is outside our window waiting for the blind to go up.<br />Do you think it might be the bread crumbs we put out that are enticing him?<br /><br />Makes you think Christmas is just around the corner.......<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/12/what-could-be-nicerThe Mill Forge gardens are struggling to hold on to their autumn colours. <br /><br />The last leaves are just managing to hold on after a couple of night's ground frost.<br />Winter is just round the corner......<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/11/autumn-colourI'm happy to report that Halloween passed at The Mill Forge with no nasty surprises or supernatural goings-on - just a full quota of brides and grooms enjoying their own very special day. <br /><br />However, soon afterwards I heard rumours of an 'unusual' cake which appeared in the function room.... We're not exactly sure where it came from or who it was meant for, but I think you'll agree it is rather spooooky!!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/11/spookyWe have six couples taking their vows in The Forge today.<br /><br />There's no excuse for the husbands we marry today to forget their wedding anniversary. <br /><br />Not only &quot;a memorable date&quot; - but Remembrance Day as well !!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/11/11-11-11As the bonfires are being set alight across the country.......<br /><br />We have lit the match for five happy couples today at The Mill Forge.<br />May all your marriages sparkle with excitement and rocket to success!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/11/remember remember-the-fifth-of-novemberOur latest addition to The Mill is our new Smoking Shelter. A covered area at the conservatory bar door where our guests can sit outside in comfort.<br /><br />The workmen were being ably assisted by Benny, one of our Chefs on his day off.<br />Benny just could not resist the temptation to monkey around once he saw me with the camera!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/11/smoking shelterMarriage Joins Two People<br />In The Circle Of Its Love<br />by Edmund O'Neill<br /><br />Marriage is a commitment to life, <br />the best that two people can find and bring out in each other.<br />It offers opportunities for sharing and growth <br />that no other relationship can equal.<br />It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.<br /><br />Within the circle of its love, <br />marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. <br />A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, <br />confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic.<br />And there may come ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/10/very-wise-words-read-in-the-mill-forgeby this wedding cake which was delivered today - isn't it wonderful?<br /><br />All the staff were trying to guess who would want such a cake. A dairy farmer? A milkman? A cheesemaker? A cowboy? Maybe a 'moo'sician? But it turned out it had been specially made for a bride who's just crazy about cows - simple as that! Moove over darling!!! <br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/10/we-were-all-quite-amoosedFor those of you who may not need to wear a morning suit or a kilt on a regular basis, we though you might appreciate a bit of advice about how to tie a cravat...<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Place the tie around your neck.</li><li>Make sure the wider ends are in the front.</li><li>The right side should be one inch longer than the left side.</li><li>This will allow you to create the knot at the top.</li><li>Take the long side and cross it over the short side.</li><li>Then take the long side and wrap it once around the short side from underneath.</li><li>Take the long side and ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/10/how-to-tie-a-cravatA lovely romantic wedding was held in The Mill Forge. The bride and groom had 'run away' to Gretna Green without telling anyone -- Nothing unusual. - This couple were over the age of 16 - of course I could not tell you how old they are - but I am sure they would not mind if I mentioned that the bride was born in 1925 and the groom in 1932!<br />Both widowed, they decided after knowing each other for over 30 years that Gretna Green was the place for them.<br />Our wedding co-ordinator Andrea and wedding photographer Paul Taylor ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/10/loves-young-dreamCouples come to The Mill Forge for their wedding - but did you know........ ?<br />The word &quot;wed&quot; is derived from the ancient Greek word for &quot;pledge.&quot; And that's exactly what a wedding ceremony is, no matter what country it takes place in, no matter which culture its part of. To wed is to pledge yourself to another. There are few acts we perform that are more pure or more beautiful than the act of marriage. <br /><br />&#160;<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/09/couples-come-to-the-mill-forge-for-their-wedding-At the Mill Forge we know them as wedding favours... but have you ever wondered where this tradition came from? A lot of people think this is a modern wedding practice, in fact it is a tradition steeped in history.<br /><br />The custom of giving wedding favours dates back to early European history where they were given to celebrate marriages, birthdays and christenings by the wealthy aristocrats of the period. In those days these treats were luxury items such as sugar cubes which would illustrate your wealth and were symbolic of royalty.<br /><br />At this time sugar was such an ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/09/do-us-a-favourThis pair of little cuties nearly stole the show at one of our weddings in The Mill Forge<br /><br />The twins were living every little girl's dream of being a flower girl at a lovely summer wedding, dressed in matching fairytale frocks.<br /><br />Luckily, they continued to live up to their 'sugar and spice and all things nice' reputation during the ceremony and whilst the photos were being taken. Sweet...!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/09/double-troublePastor Sandy Jamieson is a minister with Assemblies of God a Christian denomination. He has been serving Gretna now for 11 years conducting Religious marriages and blessings in and around the area.<br /><br />Pastor Sandy says &quot; it's a real privilege to serve the couples on their wedding day at the Mill Forge, I always try to put them at ease and help them to enjoy their day by putting a bit of my personality and humour in where appropriate&quot;.<br /><br />Pastor Sandy Jamieson is married to Jan a primary head teacher and has 3 children; he loves eating out ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/09/pastor-sandy-jamiesonWho needs a wedding car when you can travel in style!!<br /><br />Or - are they the Bridesmaid and Best Man at the ceremony at The Mill Forge?<br />Our happy couple were married by a registrar at 10am then went on their merry way.<br />Congratulations to you both. Happy biking !!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/08/who-needs-a-wedding-carOne of our brides today had a special request.<br /><br />Can we play an Elvis song as we walk out of the the Mill Forge - my husband-to-be is a big fan?<br /><br />Uh-huh, of course you can!<br /><br />We always do our best to make your big day individual and special. !!!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/08/special-requestEven Pipe Major Craig Irving sometimes needs a bit of help with his plaid.<br /><br />But at home Craig has his wife Bev to lend a hand, ably assisted by his two wee boys Matt and Archie.<br /><br />Craig earns his living piping couples to and from their weddings. The pipes certainly add a Scottish theme to your big day. Always happy to pose for photographs, Craig in his pipe major regalia brightens up any wedding album.<br /><br />We are often asked to help grooms don their kilts, which we're always happy to do. But if you would like to ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/08/pipe-major-craig-irving-We asked him his thoughts on years of doing weddings in Gretna Green.<br /><br />The Mill Forge is a very special place, made special by the warmth of the welcome that is given to everyone and the care and attention given by the staff to ensure everything runs smoothly for the couple on their wedding day.<br />For my part, I have been conducting religious weddings at The Mill Forge for the last ten years. My chief aim is to ensure that every couple has what I describe as a 'good experience' in their wedding ceremony. By nature I am described ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/08/does-anyone-know-this-manA beautiful young woman floated up the aisle looking every inch the conventional bride. Her proud husband-to-be looked over his shoulder and smiled at her. Their friends and family sat down and the minister began the wedding ceremony. Nothing unusual here, I hear you say...<br /><br />But as the happy couple reached the door of the Mill Forge as man and wife, the bride looked towards me and winked. She raised the hem of her dress and nodded towards her feet ... &quot;It's the rebel in me&quot; she whispered!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/07/hidden-surpriseToday is a day you will always remember<br />the greatest in anyone's life.<br />You'll start off the day just two people in love<br />and end it as Husband and Wife.<br /><br />It's a brand-new beginning, the start of a journey,<br />with moments to cherish and treasure<br />and although there'll be times when you both disagree<br />these will surely be outweighed by pleasure.<br /><br />You'll have heard many words of advice in the past <br />when the secrets of marriage were spoken,<br />but you know that the answers lie hidden inside <br />where the bond of true love lies unbroken.<br /><br ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/07/today-is-a-day-you-will-always-rememberJust seen the cutest little page boy and flower girl in the world! <br /><br />They were really good during the ceremony but were very excited by all the confetti when they got outside and started fighting over who could collect the most. Thankfully, peace was restored in time for the photographs!<br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/07/cutest-little-page-boy-and-flower-girl-Spencer, son of the owners Mr &amp; Mrs Smith, was married to his sweetheart Sarah recently in the The Mill Forge with a religious ceremony performed by Jack Strachan.<br /><br />After Piper Craig Irving had escorted everyone into the Forge they exchanged vows over the anvil in front of family and friends.<br /><br />Not even the torrential rain could dampen the atmosphere - The smiles on many happy faces chased away the clouds, long enough for photographer Colin to grab a few shots in the gardens.<br /><br />A party at The Mill in the evening was the chance for everyone ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/07/a-family-member-married-at-the-mill-forgeA Grooms mother was looking for a special memento of their wedding day for her son and his new wife but hadn't been able to find anything suitable.<br /><br />I suggested she had a look at the gifts in the display cabinets in our gift shop in the reception area - the crystal glasses engraved with the Mill Wheel and The Forge were perfect!<br /><br />We are often asked which item of stock is our best seller. The horseshoes and confetti are always popular, but closely followed by the paracetamol and Alka-Seltzer. (The next morning)!!!!!<br /><br /><br /> ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/06/special-memento-of-their-wedding-dayIt's always been claimed that good things come in small packages and here's the photo that proves it!<br /><br />One of our wedding cake suppliers has chosen this dinky little car as an environmentally-friendly way to make their deliveries and it's become a regular visitor to The Mill Forge.<br /><br />Whilst it probably couldn't transport a cake of recent 'royal' proportions, it's just the right size for traditional three tier wedding cakes, single tier chocolate cakes, individual cup cakes - or anything else the bride and groom may desire.<br /><br />So, if you would like a little inspiration or assistance ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/06/good-things-come-in-small-packagesWords of wisdom read out at one of our religious wedding ceremonies today.<br /><br />Captain Corelli's Mandalin By Louis de Bernieres<br /> <br />Love is a temporary madness,<br />it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. <br />And when it subsides you have to make a decision. <br />You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together <br />that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. <br />Because this is what love is.<br />Love is not breathlessness, <br />it is not excitement, <br />it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.<br />That is just being &quot;in love&quot; ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/06/words-of-wisdom<p class="intro">We are delighted to announce that we received an award from TripAdvisor the well known hotel review website.<br /><br />We were awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the many positive reviews our customers have left on their website.<br /><br />We would like to extend our thanks to all the people who left these wonderful reviews of their experience at The Mill Forge. We cannot put into words how pleased we are with this recognition. Every member of staff has played their part and we are all cock-a-hoop to receive such a prestigious award.<br /><br />All we need to do ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/06/the-mill-forge,-gretna-green-receives-award!<p class="intro">All the staff had a night out to celebrate Jamie's 30th birthday.<br /><br />We caught the train from Gretna to Carlisle and went for a lovely meal at Michaelangelo's restaurant. With a few glasses of wine to accompany our food, a cheerful time was had by all.<br /><br />Now a fully-fledged wedding planner, Jamie has been with us for two years and is an important part of our team. <br /> <br />But, like the conscientious lot we are, we made sure to catch the late train home for a good night's sleep, ready to face a busy time ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/05/wedding-planner-jamie-turns-30Hello to all our past, present - and future - brides and grooms. We've been very busy over the past couple of months getting our new-look website up and running and we hope you like the result.<br /><br /> Our wedding planner team found it rather daunting to have to move around in front of the camera lens for a change, to have a new photo taken for the website. We're much more used to directing from behind the scenes! <br /><br />We've only just calmed down after the excitement of Wills and Kate, but of course every day is ...http://www.themill.co.uk/blog/2011/05/welcome-from-all-at-the-mill-forge