FOR Rebecca Buchanan and Brian Mullen, second time around proved to be a lovely family affair as the first wedding in two years for the area’s minister.

The young-at-heart couple had originally been set to tie the knot in 2021 but had to delay until March 11.

They were introduced by a mutual friend when Bankie Brian worked at Coulport about 10 years ago.

And then Rebecca took a shot and proposed on the last leap year, February 29, 2020.

Brian doesn’t like bouquets of flowers – so Rebecca presented him with a bouquet of chocolate.

“We had talked about it and Brian said he would never get married again – but I decided to ask anyway,” Rebecca told the Post.

Brian, 72, is a church elder at St Modan’s in Rosneath, where Rebecca, 60, lived.

Rev Christine Murdoch officiated the wedding at Rosslea Hall Hotel, her first ceremony in two years thanks to lockdowns and the pandemic.

She said: “While we still had to adhere to Covid restrictions, such as wearing masks, it was a joy to be able to marry Rebecca and Brian after so long.

“Yet another step back to normality and a delight to say, ‘I declare you to be husband and wife’.”

More than 50 family members and friends coming from around the UK and even Dubai helped mark the occasion.

Brian’s sons Richard and David were his best men.

Rebecca’s daughters Katriona and Nicola walked her down the aisle to Bruno Mars’ Beautiful Day.

The bride’s four grandchildren and the groom’s two all played a part in the service as well.

As they signed the register, the Clydebank Male Voice Choir, which Clydebank native Brian sings with, surprised them with a performance of Unchained Melody and Let It Be.

Rebecca, originally from Dunoon, said: “It was a surprise because I like to be in control.”

But control didn’t help the wedding cake, which twice fell through before the big day.

Iain, daughter Katriona’s partner, was calling around at 11am on the Saturday and thankfully found the Ginger Breadman Cafe in Helensburgh was able to save the day.

Rebecca added: “It was really nice because everyone could get together. It was just a celebration.”

Now living in Kilcreggan, Mr and Mrs Mullen are planning a honeymoon trip in June to Lanzarote, and some weekend getaways thanks to generous wedding gifts.