Mint to be: Childhood sweethearts marry at Glasgow allotment where their love grew

A couple who met when they were teenagers have finally said ‘I do’ at the allotment where their love grew in Glasgow.

Childhood sweethearts Laura Shaw, 32, and Craig Sanders, 33, tied the knot at their much-loved allotment in the city’s Mansewood area.

The couple wanted a “relaxed outdoor vibe” for their nuptials and had initially planned to marry at Doune the Rabbit Hole in Stirlingshire in 2023.

However, they opted for a more homegrown approach after the festival was cancelled.

Laura, who is the allotment committee’s events organiser, said they “literally” looked out of their flat window at at Mansewood Allotments, a Glasgow City Council site where they lease a veg plot and had the idea.

Newlyweds, Laura and Craig, pictured amid sunflowers on the allotments after their ceremony. Pic credit: Weddings by Bart. Weddings by Bart

“We wanted our wedding to be eco-friendly and chilled. I’ve had my allotment about four years and love it, so when our original venue fell through, I jokingly suggested to another committee member that we could hold it at the allotments.”

The couple approached the council about the possibility of marrying at the allotment and were “thrilled” when their plans were approved.

The allotment not only acted as the location, but the couple incorporated produce grown on the plots in their wedding.

Laura’s bouquet was made up of flowers grown onsite and guests enjoyed rhubarb and elderflower cordial and cocktails containing mint and rosemary grown by plot-holders.

“There’s a real community at the allotments and we have a lot of events, so this was just like a big open day.”

Laura added: “People told me to pick flowers from their plots for my bouquet and the allotment’s pizza oven was also put to good use feeding the guests after the Humanist ceremony. It was perfect!”

Wedding guests were advised not to wear heels and to consider wearing wellies and the bride wore white Doc Martins instead of stilettos with her dress.

Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow’s convener for climate, congratulated the happy couple on their special day.

He said: “Huge congratulations to Laura and Craig on their wedding.

“I know people really cherish their allotments and the friends they make there, so it is wonderful that they were able to hold their wedding in this unusual and special location. I wish them all the very best for the future.”