On 31st August, Seaman's Hall marked a historic milestone by hosting its first wedding reception in decades! The joyous occasion celebrated the union of Dawn and Jamie, beginning a new chapter for the hall as a venue for local, sustainable, and affordable weddings.
A Day to Remember
The celebration started with a heartfelt ceremony at Nairn’s iconic Bandstand, officiated by humanist celebrant Ailie MacLeod. In perfect weather, Dawn, escorted by her stepdad Stewart, made her way to the Bandstand, where family and friends gathered to witness the couple exchange vows.
After the ceremony, guests embraced a local tradition, walking together along Society Street to Seaman's Hall in Fishertown. This historic route, detailed in Nairn’s archives, added a nostalgic touch to the day.
A Feast of Local Flavours
Upon arrival at Seaman's Hall, the festivities began with drinks served in the hall, followed by a delightful BBQ hosted in the Community Garden. The renowned Tim Maddams, formerly of River Cottage, curated a menu focused on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Music from Bluetooth speakers set the mood for the afternoon until the Tweed Ceilidh Band took over in the evening. Dawn raved about their performance:
"They were absolutely brilliant, we would definitely recommend them! Everyone was up dancing and had a brilliant time."Â The night ended on a high note with a rave set that had everyone on their feet for a final celebratory dance.
Sustainability at Heart
The couple’s commitment to sustainability shone through every detail of their wedding:
Plates sourced from a local charity shop.
Fairy light curtains lovingly handmade by Dawn’s mother.
Second-hand napkins from Vinted.
Decorations donated by friends and family.
Film cameras purchased for the day, with plans to upcycle the photos.
Local businesses played a key role too: the rings were crafted by a goldsmith in Inverness, the dress came from Charlotte Smith’s in Inverness, and the beer was supplied by Cromarty Brewing. Food and drink favours had sentimental significance, with mini donuts from Perk chosen in memory of Dawn’s Granny Betty.
The wedding cake, a masterpiece by their friend Steph Easton, was a standout feature:
"She’s so talented, and the cake was SO tasty!"
Seaman's Hall: A Venue with Vision
This remarkable wedding highlights Seaman’s Hall’s potential as a venue for eco-conscious celebrations. By prioritising local, sustainable practices, the hall aligns with Green Hive’s ethos of reducing environmental impact while fostering community connections.
Looking ahead, Green Hive plans to collaborate with local sewing groups to create bespoke decorations and textiles for future weddings. Partnerships with local caterers will ensure that every event supports the local economy.
A New Era for Weddings in Nairn
For Dawn and Jamie, Seaman’s Hall provided the perfect setting for their special day:"The space was absolutely perfect for our 80 guests. It felt so lovely and relaxed, and the staff were incredibly helpful and welcoming."
As Green Hive looks to expand its offerings, the trustees are excited about building a future where Seaman’s Hall becomes a hub for sustainable celebrations.
Congratulations to Dawn and Jamie on their beautiful wedding, and here’s to many more joyful unions at Seaman's Hall!
Stay tuned as we continue this exciting journey, creating heartfelt, eco-friendly celebrations for our community.
Get in touch if you're interested in hiring the hall for your special day!