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After 20 years of love… Man thinks he’s helping friends marry, only to find it’s his own surprise wedding

George and Melanie Sutherland tie the knot
George and Melanie Sutherland tie the knot

A Moray man said: “I do … not believe it” on Saturday – as he tied the knot with his partner of 20 years in a surprise wedding.

George Sutherland, who turns 48 today, was fed a string of white lies at home, at his cherished golf club and at work while his other half, Melanie, and her band of 20 accomplices spent months planning the ceremony behind his back.

Mr Sutherland was coaxed into signing his own marriage certificate, getting fitted for a kilt and even trying on his own ring – under the impression he was to be a witness when the couple’s close friends, John and Joan Garven, renewed their vows.

It was only when he turned up for the ceremony in Elgin’s registry office that he realised he was to be the star of the show.

George and Melanie Sutherland tie the knot
George and Melanie Sutherland tie the knot

Last night, he said: “I knew there was something up, but I thought it might just have been a surprise for my birthday.

“I didn’t think anything of it because I just go with the flow. As long as I get my golf, I’m happy.

“I’m not usually stuck for words, but I admit that when I opened that surprise card at the registrar’s office and realised it was my wedding, I did have to take a seat at the back and take stock of it all.”

The new Mrs Sutherland, 42, said: “June and I got bored one day in about March and thought we would organise my wedding. There was about 20 people who knew, and there were plenty of tall tales involved.

“Our friends came back from Greece for it and we told George they were back for a parachute jump.

“On Saturday morning, I told him not to go to the golf, but he went off at 7am and said he would be home on time – and he was.

“It was a really nice day. The timing felt right and everything ran smoothly.”

About 25 people attended the ceremony, before returning to the happy couple’s Lossiemouth home for a small reception with their four sons, close friends and family.

The newlyweds booked a holiday to Turkey in October, but that will now double-up as their honeymoon.

Mr Sutherland, head porter at Dr Gray’s Hospital, added: “We haven’t been engaged long — just the 17 years. I don’t like to rush into things.

“It was all Melanie’s doing. The day was very, very good, and she did great. It’s the way I would have wanted to do it.

“My mum has been unwell, so we went down to see her and it made her day. She absolutely loved it.”