Oceanstone Resort & Nordic Spa with Fitness Centre

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Summer

Our Wedding

What began as a meeting for drinks in The Smokin' Fox turned into a year and a half of travel and love. Sieanna and Kenny met on 7th January under "Little Ben," the clock in Glasgow Central Station, heading for drinks on their first date. One turned to two, and two became three. Drink dates turned into movie dates, and movie dates became dinner dates. What really secured Kenny's interest was Sieanna's insane PowerPoint skills and a passion for Banff. In March, they took their first trip to Belgium, a whim that turned out wonderful. Neither knew what would happen on the trip, and as the nerves settled, they began to plan their second trip. In April, they ventured further into Europe, a romantic trip to Lake Como. In a wine bar in Bellagio they at last became an official couple. Their lives became intertwined as they met friends and family, and strengthened their relationship through open communication and understanding. A few day trips throughout the summer, with toes and noses turning red from the cold in a typical Scottish summer, as Kenny showed Sieanna around her new home country. Kenny enjoyed endless football games, and Sieanna found herself keeping track of the score, finally giving in to Kenny's endless insistence to join him in going on a tour of his stadium and eventually to a game. During their October trip to Greece, Kenny floated the idea of moving in together, and at Sieanna's graduation dinner, they decided to trial living together. At the end of the (what seemed very short) trial, they picked a move-in date... 7th January.

Our Story

On their one-year anniversary, Sieanna gave up her lease in Glasgow Southside and finished moving into Lancefield Quay. They thrived living together, finding a good work-life balance, sharing their very different taste in movies, discovering a routine in the kitchen that worked (get out of Sieanna's way), as they built a home they both loved. In March 2025, they headed to Iceland for their fourth trip, where Sieanna at last got to drive Kenny. A zoo trip here, a few home renos later, and a concert with "The Boss". After some meticulous planning, Kenny and Sieanna made their trip to Canada. It would be Kenny's first time formally meeting Sieanna's family. Filled with beer, a beach barbecue, a trip to the Calgary Stampede, and a journey to the mountains.

Our Story, Continued

On 9th July, after an early morning start, the mountains of Banff National Park loomed high in the sky. On a peaceful morning at Lake Minnewanka, Kenny got on one knee and asked Sieanna to marry him on a private cliff overlooking the water. "Sieanna, will you marry me?""Yes! Now get up, you silly goose."

Brooke Smith

Ross MacKay

Melissa Birch

Kevin Birch

Joyce MacKay

John MacKay

Wedding Party

WestJet provides direct flights three times a week from Edinburgh (EDI) to Halifax (YHZ) - roughly 6 hours. WestJet also provides options with layovers. WestJet provides direct flights from Calgary (YYC) to Halifax (YHZ) - roughly 5 hours.

WestJet

Air Canada provides flights from Edinburgh (EDI) to Halifax (YHZ), although all flights will have a layover.

Air Canada

Travel

Oceanstone Resort

A 40 minute drive from Central Halifax and 5 minutes from the famous Peggy's Cove, we'll be getting married at Oceanstone Resort, Nova Scotia. This Nordic Spa on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean will offer a perfect backdrop. The ceremony will take place on the waterfront, before the reception which will be hosted in the Great Hall. There is onsite accommodation available for us to hire as part of the wedding party. These are confirmed for the night of the wedding, and can be extended to include the night before and/or the night after. To book, you can contact the resort directly - info@oceanstoneresort.com - giving them your name and cite the Birch-MacKay wedding. And yes, if you do wish to partake in the spa, you can make a booking for your selected treatment.

<a href="https://oceanstoneresort.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a>

The Venue

Probably the most popular thing to do in Halifax. 5 minute drive from wedding venue, 50 minute drive from downtown Halifax.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Alexander Keith's

Founded in 1749, this star-shaped hilltop fort offers guided tours, plus a coffee bar &amp; gift shop.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Large maritime museum, with boatbuilding (if you like boats), shipwreck &amp; naval exhibits, plus a historic vessel.

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

If you're into whales and venturing onto a boat to get a good close-up, then this might be for you! While not directly in Halifax, check out these companies scattered throughout Nova Scotia: https://ppww.ca/ https://brierislandwhalewatch.com/ https://www.novascotiawhalewatching.com/ https://www.novascotiawhales.com/ https://oshan.ca/

Whale Watching

Like us, you probably enjoy a good wine or beer! Check out Canada's first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail. At over 80 unique stops throughout the trail, there's something for everyone to try.

Good Cheer Trail

Sightseeing

<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html</a>

Sieanna & Kenny

Sieanna & Kenny

The Venue

Oceanstone Resort