Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2022 i Tie the Knot Scotland

After two summers in lockdown spent wearing the same old threads, I’ve decided to treat myself to a couple of new summer dresses. I’m struggling to find any that don’t drown my short, appleshaped bod. If you’re about to start hunting for a bigger-ticket ivory number (how exciting!), I’d suggest flicking to ‘Body Beautiful’ (p.20) to get to grips with what might suit your stature. That way, you can be assured of a more successful first trip to the shops than me. There’s a range of silhouettes highlighted in our sea-inspired ‘Make a Splash’ bridal fashion story (p.28), from bold ballgowns to sassy mermaid cuts. The watery theme continues in ‘The Glasgow Boys’ groomswear photoshoot (p.97), set on the banks of the River Clyde against iconic architecture. We also chat…

TOTALLY MAID UP Being ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ never looked more appealing thanks to Next’s summer bridesmaid drop. Whether you’ve one BFF or a squad of eight to dress, the high-street saviour has plenty of affordable dresses from much-loved labels including Lipsy, Monsoon, Ted Baker, Adrianna Papell and more to choose from. There’s glamorous all-over sequinned numbers, floaty chiff on silhouettes, adorable looks for flower girls and everything in-between – all in an array of colours and lengths. Explore the full collection and 100s of brands online now at www.next.co.uk. WEAR WITH… Your bridesmaids will be bowled over by these accessories Stockists on page 258…

BEST OF BESPOKE If going bespoke for your wedding attire is the route you’re looking to travel, chances are you’ve encountered Joyce Young Design Studios. The Glasgow-based atelier has a plethora of made-to-measure options for upcoming summer shindigs, all in a wide choice of colours. For something classic, the straight sheath dress (above right, £POA) is a winner: the cape can come off as the party amps up. A more playful choice would be the lemon and lilac dress with beaded tulle bodice (above left, £POA). We can’t get enough of those pleats – they are one of the designer’s signatures. IT’S GOT TO BE NEW A fresh crop of gowns has landed at Frox of Falkirk – and we’re obsessed! Pastel hues continue to dominate the vibe for the…

Stockists on page 258 GARNET JANUARY AMETHYST FEBRUARY AQUAMARINE MARCH DIAMOND APRIL EMERALD MAY PEARL JUNE RUBY JULY PERIDOT AUGUST SAPPHIRE SEPTEMBER OPAL OCTOBER TOPAZ / CITRINE NOVEMBER TANZANITE / TURQUOISE DECEMBER…

Photography Jodie Mann jodiemann.co.uk Hair Andrew Kilpatrick at House Martin Barbers www.housemartinbarbers.co.uk Models Harry Young and Nathan Nyamsi at Colours Agency www.coloursagency.com Shoot assistants Olivia Simpson and Nicole Conner Shot on location at The North Rotunda, Tunnel Street, Glasgow. Glasgow’s North Rotunda is an historic landmark. The stunning building, which dates back to 1890, is a one-of-a-kind venue for weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and celebrations. This heritage property offers exquisite settings, exceptional catering and consummate service – and a swathe of new reduced packages (turn to p.107 to read more). The Finnieston Room is located on the second floor of the building and can accommodate up to 140 guests for the meal and 240 guests for evening reception. The space benefits from its own private bar, dancefloor, dedicated entrance and…

▸ THE NUMBERS The hotel has a range of spaces to suit any size of wedding, ranging from the Versailles Suite (with capacity for 35 ceremony guests and 20 for the wedding breakfast) to the Castle Suite (with capacity for 150 people for both ceremony and wedding breakfast). There is also the option for a ceremony with up to 140 guests held outdoors in the private Rutland Square Gardens, just moments from the hotel. ▸ THE PACKAGES There is a selection of packages tailored to different sizes of weddings, but all are customisable, with options to include entertainment, flowers and more. For a smaller wedding (minimum 35 guests), packages start at £135 per person; for a larger wedding (minimum 80 guests), packages start at £120. From Sunday-Thursday, weddings start at…

Capacity min 2 max day 60 night 60 Marquee ✗capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 10 Price per head from £POA Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✗Accessibility none Package offers see website for most up-to-date packages AIKWOOD TOWER NEAR SELKIRK Totally private and 500 years old, Aikwood Tower is steeped in history and romance. It is a perfect marriage of ancient and modern – offering an intimate Scottish castle experience, country woodland surroundings, five-star luxury interiors and boutique accommodation that you and your guests will remember forever. Tel: 01750 700500, www.aikwoodtower.com Capacity min n/a max day 120 night 140 Marquee ✔capacity 450 provided ✔ Sleeps n/a Price per head from £130 + VAT Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✔Accessibility partial Package offers for bespoke packages, contact events@roseberyestates.co.uk BARNBOUGLE CASTLE SOUTH QUEENSFERRY…

As far as planning nightmares go, your chosen venue going into liquidation in the midst of a pandemic is hard to beat. Amazingly, this didn’t stop Kori and Sheri having the day they’d always wanted, albeit 18 months after they’d originally planned. The couple tell us how it all worked out… “We wanted a venue close to a city or a town, but since Kori and I both grew up in the countryside, we also wanted somewhere to remind us of that upbringing. It also had to be handy for our friends and family, who mostly stay in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray,” Sheri tells us. “Kori’s brother got married at Ardoe House Hotel, and she remembered it being stunning and very historic, so we decided to go for a viewing.”…

Familiar with the phrase “doing it for the ’gram”? We’ve all taken quick snaps in front of a nice view or posed with pals to put on social media – it’s just a laugh, and more than likely we’ll look relaxed and happy. But what happens when you’re standing in front of a professional camera on the most important day of your life? If the answer is looking awkward or downright anxious or stiffening up so you feel completely unnatural, a little rehearsal of the whole process could do you the world of good. We caught up with five big players in the business who explain why engagement and pre-wedding shoots can make all the difference. TRIAL RUN A pre-wedding shoot can be a lifesaver for several reasons, one of…

I love having people round for dinner, but I have a problem: no matter how hard I try, I always, always make too much food. While this is fine for budgetfriendly curry and cheap-aschips chilli, the stakes – and costs – will be much higher should it ever be my turn to plan a wedding. Over-order on your cake and you’ll not only waste the bake itself, you’ll be throwing away a lot of money too. So, how to get it right? FIRST PRINCIPLES Don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry: your cake-maker will. “The most straightforward way to work out what size of cake you need is to tell us how many guests you’re hoping to feed with it,” shares Heather Leigh of Heather Leigh Cake Design. “This is…

LEEM LOVIN’ A ballgown might not be your vibe, but that doesn’t mean your big day attire can’t be a knockout. Middle Eastern ‘modest’ fashion brand Leem has just landed at Next and brought with it a host of stylish attire for low-key brides and chic guests alike. We’re obsessing over the wide-leg knit trouser, £75, and sailor collar top, £75, which are just the ticket for brides wanting a wedding outfit they might actually wear again. The combo could also work as a Studio 54-inspired second look for the evening reception, or for a hen-do brunch with your bride tribe. As you can see, there’s no shortage of options. JUMP TO IT Looking for a killer get-up for a night of hen-do fun? Or a cooler outfit for your…

Stockists on page 258 LOOKS SEW GOOD Your bridal experience doesn’t end once you’ve said yes to your dream frock at Kathleen Richmond Couture. The boutique is now expanding its in-house alterations service to include both your bridal party and mother of the bride or groom. “We can take care of your bridesmaids and the mums' alterations, as well as storing your gown and steaming it in preparation for your big day,” owner Kitty tells us. With looks like Modeca’s Kensi in store (left, £POA), it’s safe to say the Kilmarnock store is now a one-stop shop for all things bridal. ART DEC-WOW! Do your wedding mood boards have nods to the Roaring ’20s? Then you’ll be thrilled to hear the Gatsby collection from Spanish brand Rosa Clará will soon…

Photography Kirsty Anderson www.kirstyanderson.co.uk Styling Nicola Cameron Hair Eileen Nugent Bridal Hair and Makeup eileen-nugent.com; engrows.com Makeup Karen Bowen Makeup www.karenbowenmakeup.co.uk Model Julia Tomaszewska, Colours Agency www.coloursagency.com Flowers Secret Garden Events Florist www.secretgardeneventsflorist.com Shot on location at The Harbour Chapel, Dunbar, East Lothian. Huge thanks to Fiona and the team there. The Harbour Chapel is an intimate and historic East Lothian wedding venue with a spectacular former church and an elegant, but contemporary reception bar. The venue provides the unique experience of getting married and celebrating in a truly atmospheric space lit by magnificent stained-glass windows originating from St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. Banqueting tables can seat up to 80 for dining and a further 40 guests can join the evening celebrations. This beautifully restored historic Wesleyan Chapel is the…

Being a bride in 2022 is not the same as it once was – and that’s a good thing. Nowadays, there’s space to question old traditions, especially those that might not fit with a modern feminist perspective, such as changing your surname or wearing white. The big day is no longer about leaving your father’s house only to disappear into your partner’s; it’s about two equals coming together to affirm their love and start a new life on a balanced footing. But brides aren’t the only modern women taking a central role in the day: with so many changes to the proceedings (and to the world in general), what’s a mother of the bride or groom to do in 2022? According to the experts we spoke to across fashion, wedding…

Stockists on page 258 LANDMARK DESIGNS Want bespoke jewellery that really tells a story? Islewear’s recently expanded Landscape range could be the answer. “We take rock textures and emboss them onto the surface of the piece,” designer Jordane Symington tells us. “Items can be tailored bespoke to you, from a special location, in the metal of your choice.” Pearls are also a major feature of the new collection. Bridal earrings, £850 [above]. WEB DESIGNS Cairney Jewellery’s latest news? It’s got a brand-new website for you to peruse, where you’ll find a wide selection of handcrafted pieces from the female-owned Perthshire-based jeweller. We’ll be clicking on this Wish wedding band and engagement ring set, created with recycled 18ct yellow gold and set with a moissanite, £POA, and the Cairn wedding band…

Stockists on page 258 LUXE LOOK If you’re all about making a statement, then McCalls has just the trick. Its green velvet jacket [left] is a certified head turner. Pair with a navy or green tartan bow tie to add a dash of Scottish heritage to the look. “By opting for a jacket in a more unusual hue, you’re showing that dinner wear doesn’t need to be a boring black tux, and tartan doesn’t always have to be on a kilt,” the store’s Levi Bunyan adds. I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TREW With wedding season back with a bang this year, our social calendars are beginning to fill up rapidly. However, not all events call for the formality of a full kilt outfit: this is where tartan trews work a…

Kilts? Check. Iconic city backdrop? Check. Drizzle? You betcha! When The Scotland Kilt Company hit the streets of the Old and New Towns, they thankfully didn’t let the weather dampen their efforts… “A little rain never stopped us Scots showcasing our true colours,” laughs Eve Moloney from The Scotland Kilt Company in Edinburgh. “If we learnt anything from our recent photoshoot for our distinguished Highlandwear packages, it’s that despite the weather, our tartans popped with vibrancy against the city’s scenery.” Each look was styled to complement the particular locations, moving from the most formal evening look outside The Scotsman, ending with a more casual rugby-ready outfit in a pub (check it out online). Nice work, guys. Supplier list Highlandwear and styling: The Scotland Kilt Company www.thescotlandkiltcompany.co.uk Photography: Steph Nicol, Olive…

Capacity min 2 max day 120 night 150 Marquee ✔ capacity 200 provided ✗ Sleeps n/a Price per head from n/a Self-catered option ✔ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers tailored to suit your wishes ABERCAIRNY PERTHSHIRE Abercairny is a secluded and exclusive new venue in the Strathearn Valley. At the heart of romantic gardens, parklands, and woods stands the magnificent Gothic Stables, which make a stunning backdrop to your wedding. Abercairny is an exclusive-hire venue that gives you the opportunity to personalise every aspect of your day. Tel: 01764 652706, www.abercairny.com Capacity min 2 max day 120 night 150 Marquee ✔ capacity 200 provided ✗ Sleeps 45+ Price per head from £45 Self-catered option ✔ (finger food only) Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility partial Package offers all packages individually…

Choosing where to tie the knot can be a compromise between the perfect location and your dream venue. Let’s say you find the Highland castle you’ve been fantasising about – is it really worth five hours in the car for Granny? And where’s everyone staying after? Sometimes, practicality has to win out. That being said, some couples have all the luck: “When we saw photos of Dalswinton, we immediately shortlisted it. We didn’t even know where it was,” says Chloe. “We had wanted a venue somewhere between Dumfries and Edinburgh, and it turns out Dalswinton is just a short drive from Dumfries. It was pure coincidence!” Their initial attraction to the venue was confirmed when they went to view it in person. “We could see as we walked around the gardens…

Capacity min n/a max day 350 night 350 Marquee ✔ capacity n/a provided ✗ Sleeps 244 Price per head from £89 Self-catered option ✔ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers packages start at £89 per person ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA ABERDEEN Ardoe House Hotel & Spa is set in 30 acres of spectacular grounds three miles from Aberdeen city centre. The stunning 19th-century baronial mansion – originally a family home – was designed to incorporate many features inspired by Balmoral Castle, such as the pointed turrets, original wood carvings, mosaic flooring and stained glass with the Ogston family coat of arms. Tel: 01224 867355, www.ardoehousehotel.co.uk Capacity min 2 max day 60 night 80 Marquee ✔ capacity 200 provided ✗ Sleeps 160 Price per head from £42.85 Self-catered option…

16 months to go… Natalie Godfrey, office manager at Frox of Falkirk, is set to marry national account manager Chris Rock at Glenbervie House Hotel on 9th September 2023 One whole year has now passed since Chris and I got engaged – where on earth has the time gone?! We’ve actually made some good progress with our to-do list lately. Chris has chosen his groomsmen and we’ve settled on a colour scheme. It was really important to me that Chris and I agreed on the colours as I didn’t want to tell him what to wear! He is going to see Jim at JH Kilt Hire in Grangemouth soon to have a look at kilt options. I reached out to a couple of florists to get the ball rolling with…

Duncan and I had been together for nine years when we got engaged in February 2019. We have a mini-Dachshund called Darcy and Duncan got her a T-shirt to wear that read, “Mummy, will you marry Daddy?” He sent her into the bedroom one Saturday morning wearing it. After I said yes, we went to Glasgow to pick a ring together later that day. It was very important to us that Darcy was included in our plans. Our family friend Claire was kind enough to look after her and bring her to the wedding. She took her home again before the reception. I always knew I wanted the ‘big, white fairytale wedding’ so that’s exactly what we aimed for. Because I’ve always had such a clear vision, I had everything…

Even if you’re just starting to plan your wedding, you probably have some idea of how much you’ll spend on big ticket items like the venue or your dress. But your music spending? That might be a little murkier. We spoke to some of Scotland’s top wedding performers and asked them to break down their prices and packages. SCOTT BARRIE - PROFESSIONAL PIPER “My prices – £220 at the weekend and £175 midweek – include piping as the guests arrive, the couple’s entrance to the top table, the cake cutting, and my travel,” says Scott. SKARA CEILIDH BAND “Our fee would usually be £1,500,” says Mhairi Marwick from the band. “This is inclusive of a four-piece ceilidh band/DJ, accommodation, full PA/lights hire and insurance. Travel is largely covered, but longer…

Katie Hart from venue styling experts Get Knotted lets us in on all the tricks of the trade Frame it During the dinner, your top table is the focus for the guests, the backdrop for the speeches and, effectively, the frame for you, your new spouse and your families. Embrace it! If it ain’t broke If you can reuse your flower arch from your ceremony, do it! It is great value for money and a pretty backdrop behind the happy couple. Get the lowdown Low floral arrangements work well on a long top table; not only do they look great but by keeping them low, you ensure you and your new spouse aren’t obscured. I love ferns and soft, tumbling greenery for this. Be consistent Your top table should tie…

For those looking for a major celebration, a ‘standard’ 12pm-12am wedding just won’t cut it. These days, it’s all about the multi-day event, with couples inviting friends and family to spend the whole weekend with them at exclusive-use venues. Perhaps after two years of cancelled plans and various degrees of isolation, all we want is to be with loved ones for as long as possible? However, I think it’s much simpler than that: us Scots love a party and will jump on any excuse to keep one going. So, what do these weekend-long revelries entail? Often, they’ll start with a welcome dinner on a Friday and end with a chilled-out brunch on Sunday morning to help guests regain their strength after the excitements and excesses of the night before. From…

What’s your background? I’ve always been a serious foodie, frequently hosting friends and family to showcase my dishes. I’d always dreamed of working for myself and, after lots of research, practice and leaving a previous job with British Airways, The Olive Boardz was born four years ago! Tell us about The Olive Boardz Opening Scotland’s first dine-in grazing restaurant in Shawlands in Glasgow’s southside is my proudest achievement. We offer grazing boards, tapas and afternoon tea to sit-in. We’ve become known for the beautiful presentations of our boards; they make perfect centrepieces that have proven to be real talking points, so it was a no-brainier to progress into weddings. We now provide brunches, bridal- and henparty food, nibbles for the evening reception, stunning table centrepieces and more, all available for…

This summer heralds the return of an unbridled, restriction-free wedding season! But as many of us have been wearing loungewear on repeat for the past couple of years, we’ve compiled some top tips for dressing as a wedding guest in case, like us, you’ve forgotten how to do it… Consider the dress code Check the wedding invitation to see if a particular style has been requested by the happy couple. Whether it’s black tie or smart-casual, you’ll find something to fit the bill at Next. Don’t fret if the invite doesn’t give you any pointers though; instead think about the type of venue hosting the big day. A floaty, floral maxi-dress might work for a countryside barn wedding, while a sequinned cocktail number could be a match for a city…

Stockists on page 258 Can you remember the last time you wore a ballgown? It’s not something most of us do very often, let’s face it. No wonder we often feel clueless about what we like, never mind about what might actually suit us. But if wedding-dress shopping is on your To-Do list, you need to figure it out. We sat down for a chat with some of Scotland’s boutique owners, who shared a wealth of insights that’ll hopefully set you right. SHAPE OF YOU Before you can think about ivory versus cream, or veils versus trains, you need to think about styles, and that means shape – your shape. Brides with pear-shaped bodies (narrower shoulders and bust, and a defined waist which slopes out to the hip) would be…

18 PAGES OF stunning OCCASION WEAR START HERE ROOM WITH A VIEW The new year brought about big changes for Bentleys in Banchory. It has upgraded its Aberdeenshire store to make it extra spacious for mothers of the bride and groom hunting for their perfect frock. “The new property is almost twice the size of our original shop, giving the special-occasion outfits a department all of their own. This means more privacy, and lots of additional room to display the fantastic new seasons fashions,” owner Irene Mackie tells us. She has run the boutique for __ years – in other words, you couldn’t be in safer hands when shopping for your wedding day get-up. The store stocks several occasionwear big-hitters including Condici, Ispirato, John Charles and Veni Infantino and it…

Stockists on page 258 DANIELLE DICKSON MAKEUP ARTIST Many a bride-to-be will be hoping her makeup look will feature a dewy glow, and to achieve that, Danielle Dickson turns to ICONIC London’s Illuminator Drops for a helping hand. “It’s my favourite makeup product of all time,” she smiles. “It is the secret to my glowing brides. Apply under the foundation for a lit-from-within glow. It is simply stunning.” She keeps MAC’s Love Me lipstick in the colour Très Blasé handy as well, as the peachy pink is “one to tie in with every eye look” – you can rely on it for whatever makeup style you fancy. If eyes are the windows to the soul, Danielle’s makeup bag has plenty of products to make your peepers the centre of attention.…

JAMIE KEDDIE WORE A CAIRNGORM STEWART HUNTING TARTAN KILT OUTFIT BY McCALLS “Right from the outset I had a very specific outfit idea in mind – historically accurate but with a modern twist,” Jamie tells us. “McCalls were very open and enthusiastic about discussing, designing and supplying me with exactly what I needed.” He praises all at the Dundee branch, especially manager Fiona Hain, who helped him find what he was looking for. It wasn’t something they’d done before but that wasn’t going to stop them. Fiona taught Jamie about the different tartans, and when she saw what he was looking at, she sought out similar colours and patterns to match his vision. He settled on the Cairngorm Stewart Hunting Weathered tartan and had three kilts made – one for…

▸ THE NUMBERS The Firth Pavilion at Seamill Hydro will suit those wishing to throw a grand bash to celebrate their big day. It holds 200 day guests with space to welcome an additional 50 people to dance the night away. ▸ THE PACKAGES To keep things simple, Seamill offers two packages. The Glencoy Package, at £115pp, includes the choice of two starters, mains and desserts, two glasses of wine with dinner, as well as a glass of sparkling wine per person during key points throughout the day. With the Rosa Package, at £185pp, you’ll get a selection of canapés, a four-course bespoke menu, half a bottle of champagne per person and a miniature cocktail to accompany the amuse-bouche. Luxury overnight accommodation is included in all packages for the bride…

Sometimes, couples visit their venue on an open day and fall in love with the finished product, all the way down to the table settings. For others, it takes a bit more vision. “When we first saw Rosebery Steading, it was still a work in progress,” recalls bride Megan. “We went to visit in October 2019 (complete with hard hats and high-vis vests – perhaps not traditional venue viewing attire!). We could totally see what the owners were aiming for, even if it wasn’t yet complete.” The couple were originally interested in Barnbougle Castle, another Rosebery Estate’s venue on the edge of Edinburgh, but the prospect of being one of the first to celebrate in the renovated space convinced them to go for the steading. “The chapel (where our ceremony…

Capacity min n/a max day 35 night n/a Marquee ✗ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps n/a Price per head from n/a Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✗ Accessibility full Package offers ceremony-only venue 23 MONTROSE STREET GLASGOW Located within the iconic City Chambers complex, this venue is ideal for smaller ceremonies, and offers two rooms, both elegantly designed to host an intimate and romantic exchange of vows. Surrounded by the Merchant City and a variety of restaurants and hotels, it is the perfect central location. The experienced team can help you arrange a truly unique ceremony. Tel: 0141 287 7655, www.glasgow.gov.uk/weddingdays Capacity min 2 max day 80 night 120 Marquee ✗ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 52 Price per head from £65 Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✗ Accessibility full…

Capacity min 2 max day 110 night 110 Marquee ✔ capacity 150 provided ✗ Sleeps 56 Price per head from £55 Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility partial Package offers please enquire for more information AUCHEN CASTLE MOFFAT Hidden in the Moffat Hills, you’ll uncover a majestic venue showcasing 34 acres of grounds. Discover an array of breathtaking spaces; design your bespoke day around our historic ceremony rooms, candlelit turrets and gilded staircases. Whether you’re planning an elopement for two or a grand soirée, each wedding will bring your love story to life. Tel: 01683 254037, www.auchencastle.co.uk Capacity min 2 max day 150 night 200 Marquee ✗ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 56 Price per head from £42 Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility partial Package offers Blossom…

TOP tune Serenade wedding guests with the musical stylings of The Apollos. “We can perform up to three hours of acoustic music for your drinks reception to set the mood,” the band’s Fiona Liddell tells us. The group can provide you with either a piano and violin, or guitar and violin duo (which features female vocals as well) for when you’re walking down the aisle or signing the register. They are also happy to learn acoustic versions of your fave songs for the ceremony. facebook.com/theapollosgroup CREATIVE KEEPSAKES Ben Wynn Creations began its journey into blacksmithing creating sgian dubhs for friends who weren’t loving the plastic alternatives offered with kilt hire packages. The grooms’ accessory company now additionally offers ceremonial dirks (a large weapon with blunt edges) which can be used…

Daniel and I have been together since 2014. We got engaged in 2019 in our first home together – it’s a memory that I will cherish forever in a place that meant a lot to us. As a summer 2020 wedding, in April that year, we accepted that our dream wedding wouldn’t be taking place any time soon. It was devastating and something that caused a lot of upset, but there were far worse things happening in the world. We knew our day would come eventually. We moved our date to April 2021. When it became clear that wasn’t going to happen either, we changed venue. (There had been some issues with our original venue.) Unfortunately, the slightly later date in April we’d booked at Mar Hall also didn’t go…

Graeme and I had been together for 10 years before he proposed during a walk to Inchree Waterfalls near Fort William. He asked me to take a photo of him and our dog Bindi, and got down on one knee whilst I was doing it, but it took me a few minutes to cotton to on what was happening! Our venue deal-breaker? A dog-friendly place. It was really important that Bindi and my parents’ dog could join us. We also wanted somewhere with a relaxed feel and where our guests could stay overnight afterwards if they wanted, either at the venue or nearby. For the package, prime date and service we received, Lochgreen was brilliant value for money. Its wedding planner Dawn is friendly, approachable and answered all of our…

If you’re spending the day in the sunshine, it’d be a crime to keep the kids cooped up indoors. That said, they can hardly be left to wander as they wish while the adults enjoy their tipples. Enter Kaitlyn Millar, of Kaitlyn’s Kiddie Care, a Glasgow-based events nanny and babysitter service. “Our exciting kids’ area can be set up either inside or out,” she tells us. “We have a wide range of fun activities and jumbo games which will keep the children entertained at an outdoor wedding. We often utilise the venue grounds and go exploring, which the kids really enjoy. “Youngsters will inevitably become a bit bored at points throughout the day, so if they have an outdoor space where they can play and run about, it’s a guarantee…

Useful Personalised TAKES THE BISCUIT Melissa Donnelly of Glasgow-based company Cookie Lady Mel turned her love of all things sweet to good use, making personalised cookies that taste every bit as good as they look. Perfect as favours, they’re also a cute inclusion in bridal party proposal boxes or as part of dessert tables. Melissa works with couples to create custom designs and prices are available upon request.…

With the promise of sunnier days ahead, our thoughts are turning to all we’ll eat this summertime, and Pete Gayford from Field Fire Fork has ideas to tempt just about anyone. “It is hard to beat the flavours of the Middle East for a spectacular and fresh-tasting warm-weather feast – Scottish meat and fish work so well with gentle spices and smoke, while vibrant salads and sides just sing ‘summer’. Scotland’s berries are world famous so no meal would be complete without a serving at dessert!” SUMMER MENU Reverse-Seared Venison with Pomegranate Dressing Haunch of wild Scottish venison, gently smoked before searing over hot coals. Thinly sliced and served with pomegranate and balsamic dressing. Citrus Hot Smoked Salmon Scottish salmon, cured in citrus and spice, hot smoked on site served…

20th Century Cloth 20thcenturycloth.com 360 Event Hire www.360hire.events A Acotis Diamonds www.acotisdiamonds.co.uk Airbase www.airbasemakeup.com Alexandra Bespoke alexandrabespokebridal.com Allure Bridals allurebridals.com Amy King Bridal and Beauty amykingbridal.co.uk Anderson Kilts andersonkilts.co.uk B Badgley Mischka www.badgleymischka.com Baked by Ellise www.facebook.com/bakedbyellise Barcaldine Botanicals www.barcaldinebotanicals.co.uk Bear Necessities www.bearnecessitiesfashion.co.uk Beauty Bay www.beautybay.com Bentleys www.bentleys-banchory.co.uk Blondish www.blondish.com Blue Eyes Bow Ties www.blueeyesbowties.com Boden www.boden.co.uk The Body Shop www.thebodyshop.com Boots www.boots.com BPerfect Cosmetics www.bperfectcosmetics.com Brazen Stuidos www.brazenstudios.co.uk Budrevich Fine Jewellery Studio www.budrevich.co.uk C Cairney Jewellery www.cairneyjewellery.co.uk Cakes My Middle Name www.instagram.com/cakes_my_middle_name Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery carrieelizabeth.co.uk Catherines of Partick catherinesofpartick.co.uk Cath Kidston London www.cathkidston.com Catwalk www.catwalk-falkirk.co.uk Charles Tyrwhitt www.charlestyrwhitt.com Charlotte Mills charlottemills.com Charlotte Tilbury www.charlottetilbury.com Chi Chi London www.chichiclothing.com Circinn circinn.com Clan Kilts clankilts.co.uk Clementine Weddings and Events clementineweddingsandevents.com Cookie Lady Mel www.cookieladymel.co.uk Cult Beauty www.cultbeauty.co.uk D Daisy Park…