A COUNTY woman who spent more than 40 years planning people’s ‘big day’ has released a book telling the story of some of her most memorable weddings.

Marilyn Ferguson Vallely, 73, launched her wedding company Brides One Stop Shop (BOSS) from the spare bedroom in her Coatbridge flat in 1971.

It would soon become one of Scotland’s top wedding specialists, encompassing every service and organising weddings throughout the country, which would also entice foreign clients from Canada and the USA.

Marilyn, who lives at Thurston Manor, near Innerwick, has now put these memories into a new book – All My Big Fat Scottish Weddings – detailing some of her most memorable events.

Marilyn said that writing the book was something she had always wanted to do and gave her a chance to remember all the great memories she had made over the years.

She said: “I should have had this book out years ago.

“I think I was qualified to write it. Apart from weddings, I was a journalist and then editor with a Glasgow publisher.

“And the book was fun to write, remembering the many characters and experiences.”

Marilyn retired in 2012 and spends much of her time in winter in Florida with husband Jim, returning to their caravan in the warmer months.

She became a household name on TV programmes planning celebrity weddings, but she always believed the “ordinary folks’” weddings gave her the most joy and memories.

She added: “There were minor celebrities but the ordinary folks’ weddings with zany characters are the most memorable and funny. The book is mainly lighthearted, with a couple of sadder tales too.”

The book also delves into the dramatic changes in the wedding industry over the years.

Marilyn added: “In 1971, the average wedding gown cost less than £50.

“People struggled to get their wedding off the ground. Times were harder.

“Latterly, the posh themed affairs came into vogue with castles and resort hotels as the venue.”

Marilyn is currently in the USA to promote the book, which is available on Amazon.