Wedding Bells Ring Out at Cowdray Club
A couple have walked “down the aisle” for the second time after the bride’s grandfather was hospitalised and missed her wedding.
Cyril Caseby was looking forward to seeing his only granddaughter, Hayley May Muirhead, tie the knot on September 1 at Boreland, an estate on the shores of Loch Tay, but was devastated to miss her special day after being taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The 96-year-old is now beaming after Hayley and her husband, Paul, held another ceremony at Renaissance Care’s Cowdray Club Care Home, where Cyril lives.
The bride and groom wore full wedding attire and Cyril had the honour of walking Hayley “down the aisle” surrounded by close family members, including Hayley's grandmother, Anne, who also missed the wedding.
"It’s meant the world being able to have a ceremony with my grandparents involved at Cowdray Club. So special and memories that will live in my heart forever."
Hayley Muirhead, Mac's Granddaughter
Cyril, widely known as “Mac” due to his middle name Mcfarlane, said: “Having missed the wedding and being so disappointed I am absolutely delighted to be able to witness my granddaughter Hayley in her beautiful wedding dress and Paul looked amazing also. Spending the day with my family and being able to be part of this has made my day, I am thankful to everyone involved for what turned out to be an amazing day and plenty of memories made.”
Hayley, 30, a writer, actor, film producer and a professional clown who trained under Philippe Gaulier, the late French theatre professor, said: "It’s meant the world being able to have a ceremony with my grandparents involved at Cowdray Club. So special and memories that will live in my heart forever. Cowdray Club has been incredible putting together the most wonderful afternoon, all the decorations and effort. The most incredible three-tier cake and canapes too. Everything was thought about and we couldn’t be more thankful for creating a beautiful day."
Paul, 33, who is on outdoor film producer, added: "To be able to have the moment with Hayley’s grandad Mac and her grandma Anne and see them see Hayley in her dress was a moment I will never forget, it allowed us to have a chance to share the day with them in a beautiful and private moment."
Cyril lived in Kingswells and was married for more than 67 years to his wife, Gladys, who passed away last year aged 93.
He enjoyed a 40-year career with the roofing and construction firm BriggsAmasco and retired in 1995.
Cyril has co-published a collection of poems, Wordly Wise Sayings, and gained local attention in 2020 when it emerged that he kept a piece of Adolf Hitler’s luxury war yacht in his sock drawer after it was towed from Norway to Rosyth in 1945.
"Today’s event is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when we take the time to listen, build relationships and understand what really matters to each resident and their family."
Mike Culley, Manager of Cowdray Club
After being discharged from hospital, Cyril took up residence at Cowdray.
When staff heard how upset Cyril was to have missed his granddaughter’s big day, Kaycee Gray, a care assistant, came up with the idea for a second wedding reception.
“Hayley and Paul thought it was a great idea, and it just snowballed from there,” said Kaycee, who is studying nursing.
“We’ve never held a wedding reception at Cowdray and it’s a first for Renaissance Care, but we started planning and it all came together really well. The ceremony was lovely and it was wonderful to see Cyril so happy.”
Hayley, added: 'Big shout out to Kaycee who was incredible and went over and beyond to make it so special. A huge thank you to everyone involved."
Mike Culley, manager of Cowdray, added: "Today’s event is a beautiful example of what can be achieved when we take the time to listen, build relationships and understand what really matters to each resident and their family. It’s about more than simply organising the event; it’s about creating precious memories, celebrating the things that matter most and making dreams come true. These are the moments that make what we do so special.”
Yvonne Richardson, Renaissance Care’s operations director, said: “It was lovely to see Mac walk his granddaughter down the aisle and share in the special day he had been so disappointed to miss. Kaycee and the team at Cowdray Club put so much care into making the celebration possible, and creating a beautiful memory that Mac, Hayley and their family will treasure.”
