Innholdsfortegnelse for October - November 2022 i Tie the Knot Scotland

One of my happiest childhood memories is naughtily raiding my auntie’s wardrobe, which ended up with me flouncing around wearing my mum’s cream-and-brown wedding dress and my sister in a peach lace bridesmaid number. Thankfully, ’80s bridal fashion is long gone, but playing dress-up is no less fun, as our staff writers Olivia and Nicole will confirm. They tried on gowns at four different boutiques to see how their differing statures would affect their experiences. Read their dispatches from the fitting rooms in ‘Tall v. Small’ on page 18. Continuing the body-diversity theme, our ‘Ahead of the Curve’ photoshoot (p.22) sets gorgeous gowns for fuller-figured brides-to-be against the backdrop of Cambo House in Fife. The team had great fun putting together the second of our fashion stories on location at…

YE-HAWT It’s been all go at Isobel Florence Bridal in Dalbeattie, Dumfriesshire. The store recently won south Scotland’s Bridal Boutique of the Year for the second time; it’s about to celebrate the first anniversary of moving to new premises and it’s opening a new space dedicated to bridal attire this autumn. This addition will double the size of the salon, meaning there will be over 300 dresses to browse. There will be gowns on offer from eight designers, including Randy Fenoli, the renowned US label whose Dakota dress is pictured (left, £2,400). Fringing is big news, so those sleeves will win you major style points. GOT TO BE NEW “We’ve just started to receive our latest drop of dresses and we’re excited about what our designers have in store for…

What is a bridesmaid’s key role? “I believe the role should be as wing woman and ensuring there is no stress for the bride and her family on the day. That could mean dealing with all sorts of things – delivering messages, sorting place cards, liaising with the coordinator about a delay at dinner… Whatever it is, it’s a bridesmaid’s job to manage the bride; they know her best, after all.” Laura Devine, wedding planner, Devine Bride What’s the best way to propose to your bridesmaids? “The stresses of social media infiltrate everything! Please don’t put pressure on yourself to stage a ‘proposal’. Simply being asked is such an honour – it doesn’t need to be an extravagant event. I like the idea of bringing round a bottle of wine…

FRINGING BENEFITS Fans of Gill Harvey’s iconic Gatsby-esque silhouettes will be please to hear that Frox of Falkirk has extended its range to include the British brand’s bespoke collection. Expect more of the label’s signature fringing and knockout sparkles – if they’re anything like the blue scalloped-neckline gown (left, £POA) or the pale nude dress with all-over beading and fringe detailing (below, £POA) then we’re in for a treat. “We are thrilled to have this collection in our store. These dresses are hand beaded in India using ancient techniques, mixed with new ideas, making each garment very special,” says the boutique’s Fiona Wilson. “We think they’ll make amazing heirloom pieces to hand down through the generations.” Prices start from £1,500. COLOURING IN If you’ve found your dream outfit to watch…

1 MULTI-STONE RINGS Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but why limit yourself to just one bestie? Choose a multi-stone engagement ring to really amp up the glitter on your finger. Your options range from arty clusters to meaningful ‘toi et moi’ (two-stone rings representing you and your love) and trilogy styles (three-stone creations representing the past, present and future). Keep it sleek and traditional by sticking to diamonds, or incorporate coloured stones into your design for a pop of personality. 2 PEARLS Lorraine Thomas of Lido Collection points out that while pearl jewellery is certainly experiencing a renaissance at the moment, the look is an enduring classic, with a whole host of iconic women having adopted pearls as their signature jewellery: “Think of fashionistas and style icons like Jackie…

Wearing your dream dress and feeling as good as you look is the ultimate goal for any bride-to-be on their big day. And the multi-award-winning wedding dress boutique Opus Couture is making that dream come true for one lucky bride this autumn. Opus Couture has an expansive range of stunning designer wedding dresses from international brands including Pronovias, Berta, Maggie Sottero and Enzoani, all hand-selected by an in-house team of design experts. And with over 30 years’ experience in the bridal industry, there is no better team in the country to help ensure your wedding journey is just as special as you are. Opus Couture is set just 45 minutes outside of Glasgow in the beautiful coastal town of West Kilbride and they offer exclusive brands and designers to their…

BURGUNDY STAND OUT If anyone knows how to make failsafe grey jackets pop, it’s Highlandwear specialist McCalls. Here, they’ve paired the Clunie herringbone jacket with Autumn Pride tartan and the results are a dream: the top half of the ensemble keeps things sleek and pares back the bolder-hued bottom half. Navy jackets would also work well with this tartan. Autumn Pride kilt [left], £615, and Clunie herringbone jacket, £350. MAGNIFICENT MAPLE Leave it to groomswear hotspot Slanj Kilts to embody autumn in a single outfit: the Maple Leaf tartan and peat-brown combo, from £950 [right]. The red tie and claret-hued checks of the kilt add a firey warmth, emboldened by saffron-yellow flashes. The cosy wool jacket and waistcoat will also help keep the chill at bay while taking an outside…

HOT SHOTS Fresh images of the wedding spaces at Edinburgh’s Kimpton Charlotte Square just dropped and frankly, we’re obsessed. The old-meets-new mixture of Georgian details and contemporary decor means there’s plenty to appeal to a range of couples, and with rooms ranging from the petite, industrial-chic Cellar to the capacious Gallery, the venue is ready to adapt to your needs. www.kimptoncharlottesquare.com INTO THE WOODS It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Lanarkshire’s Eden Leisure Village (turn to page 40 to see our fun-filled shoot there), and they’ve just given us even more to get excited about. “Fromjune 2023, we will be able to offer romantic woodland ceremonies,” saysjanet Gracey from the venue. “In this secluded setting, under the canopy of trees, you will hear the birds sing and trees…

Fairytale romance or laid-back country vibes? These may seem like totally opposite wedding themes, but lucky newlyweds Rachael and Jack Strachan managed to have the best of both worlds when they tied the knot in Aberdeenshire this summer. “We’d originally considered getting married on my dad’s farm,” the bride reflects. “But we soon realised it would be a huge job to transform the steading into a place fit for a wedding, so it was back to the drawing board. That’s when the idea of Haddo House came along.” As a little girl, Rachael often visited the National Trust for Scotland property and would walk around the grounds of ‘the big house’ and dream of getting married there, so it had a sentimental attachment for her. More recent dog walks with…

I can’t believe it’s less than a year until we get married! I am soooo excited and can’t wait to become Mrs Rock! Hopefully, the next time I write my wedding diary I will be able to tell you I’ve found my dress. I have appointments booked at a few bridal shops and am looking forward to beginning my search. I have to confess, though, that I’m slightly apprehensive about shopping for a wedding dress. I have actually tried on loads before, for wedding shows or modelling, but that has left me really unsure of what I want. At least I know the consultants in the shops will be fabulous and I just need to relax and enjoy the whole process. We have finally decided on our colour scheme. It happened…

Kim and Dario took their celebrations to Italy for a relaxed day filled with good food and plenty of dancing–and an Italian bagpiper After deliberating for months over whether they should marry at home or abroad, Kim and Dario finally made a decision: their wedding would take place in Gabicce Monte, a little town on Italy’s east coast. “Dario’s parents live in Italy, and he’s been going to the town with his family since he was a baby, so the idea of marrying there really appealed to both of us,” explains Kim. “We got engaged at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and our first holiday together was to Italy, so the country is very special to both of us.” In order to confirm numbers with the hotel hosting the reception,…

REAL WEDDINGS Louise Ballantine & Scott Curtis Walter Weir Ceremony on 4th December 2021 at 23 Montrose Street, Glasgow and blessing and reception on 16th April 2022 at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire Photography by Craig and Eva Sanders and Kim Morgan Wheeler (Glasgow ceremony) Scott and I were together for three years pre-engagement. We’d spent a weekend in London and he had been planning to propose at various points unbeknown to me, but the right moment never arose. We arrived home on the Sunday and decided to go out for dinner. I came out of the shower to discover our Ragdoll x Maine Coone cat, Bella, with a pink ribbon and a ring round her collar with a message from Scott asking to marry me! We had quite a long engagement.…

Q What is your top wedding transport tip? And if we hire cars, how long do we have them for? A “My best piece of advice is to give yourself plenty of time to get dressed before the cars arrive at your address on the big day. That way, you can relax and enjoy having your photos taken as you set off on your journey. It also makes the journey itself much more pleasant – you won’t be rushing or, worse, running late for the ceremony. Our bookings are based on a four-hour hire, but some weddings may need more time and this can be discussed before confirming. Your package includes transport to the wedding venue and reception as well as time for photographs.” Emma Rennick, Rennicks Wedding Cars www.rennicksweddingcars.co.uk Q What…

THE GREENSHED FLOWER STUDIO Nathalie Graham and Lucy Drinkwater at The Rhynd, 11th June 2022 “We found the Greenshed Flower Studio after seeing photos on social media,” remembers Nathalie. “It had that natural style we liked and we wanted to use a local supplier – and that’s what Helen, the owner, is. She knows one of my close friends, and we all went to university together, which was another lovely link.” Nathalie and Lucy originally wanted a neutral and green palette, but had a rethink after a second visit to their venue. “We realised the garden was very green so we decided to have more colour in our bouquets and archway,” says Lucy. “We’d already chosen our bridesmaids’ dresses/jumpsuits by this point, and Helen was able to bring lots of…

THE SPECIAL OCCASIONS PLANNING AND HIRE Rebecca Phillip and Charlene Wilkie Hello! How did you become involved in styling weddings? Charlene and I have been friends since we were 12. Charlene was craft ing after being made redundant during the first lockdown and I was doing wedding flower arrangements. We got chatting about how good it would be to combine our talents and launch a wedding planner and decorating company – and the rest is history. What sets you apart from other decor providers? We have both had weddings, so we are well aware how much it costs to get married! As a result, we try to keep our prices competitive and affordable. We like to meet our clients at their venue so that we can go over everything with…

PANTRY EVENTS Charlotte Thompson, managing director How would you describe the food and drinks you make? We are a creative, design-led catering company. We pride ourselves on the ‘Instagramability’ of our dishes, without compromising on flavour or seasonality. Our food is rustic but refined, and works well in a sharing, family style as well as plated. Our drinks are carefully curated to complement the food, and our bar offering focuses on Scottish and local brands as well as old favourites. Have you noticed any trends in wedding food and drink in recent years? We’ve seen a lot of couples looking to personalise their food. That could be designing their own cocktails, adapting a favourite family recipe, or even recreating the meal they ate on their first date. Whatever it is, we love…

A Achillea Flower Studio www.achilleaglasgow.co.uk Adore by Justin Alexander www.justinalexander.com Amy King Bridal and Beauty amykingbridal.co.uk Anderson Kilts andersonkilts.co.uk Anne Priscilla Bridal www.annepriscillabridal.co.uk Avalana Design www.avalanadesign.co.uk B Bake Bake www.facebook.com/bakebakecakes Baltic Born balticborn.com Batoko www.batoko.com Bear Necessities www.bearnecessitiesfashion.co.uk Bentleys www.bentleys-banchory.co.uk Beth Wilson Bespoke Embroidery www.bethwilsonembroidery.com Big Bright Letters www.bigbrightletters.co.uk Big Shotter Fireworks big-shotter-fireworks.co.uk Björk and Berries gb.bjorkandberries.com Blondies Kitchen www.blondieskitchen.co.uk Bloom Boutique www.bloom-boutique.co.uk Bombshell London www.bombshellhq.com Bramble Skye www.instagram.com/brambleskye Brazen Studios www.brazenstudios.co.uk Byers & Co. www.byersandco.com C Cairney Jewellery www.cairneyjewellery.co.uk Carriage and Castles www.carriageandcastles.co.uk Catwalk www.catwalk-falkirk.co.uk Chalk Pink Linen Company chalkpinklinencompany.co.uk Chanel www.chanel.com Charlotte Tilbury www.charlottetilbury.com ChloBo chlobo.co.uk Circinn circinn.com Coeur De Lion www.coeur.uk Condici condici.com Couture Club www.rosaclara.es Cult Beauty www.cultbeauty.com D Devine Bride www.devinebride.co.uk Dressed Up By Veromia veromia.co.uk/Dressed-Up.html E Engravers Guild of London www.engraversguild.co.uk Eternity Blooms www.eternityblooms.co.uk…

SLIPS DO THE TALKING Kate Moss has been papped rocking skinny slip dresses on nights out since the 90s, proof that it’s a garment with longevity. If post-wedding wearability features high on your list for dressing your best girls, they are a solid choice. Aussie label Grace Loves Lace’s new line, Amavi, is a collection of luxurious, elegant slips that have been sustainably crafted from 95% recycled eco-satin. We can picture the Anya Eco dress in copper and gold (left and centre, £105) and Silky Satin midi in copper (right, £105) being worn again with a classic white tee underneath. Your pals can thank you later. MODEL BEHAVIOUR Supermodel Ashley Graham has launched her second bridal collection that is committed to body diversity with Pronovias. There are 17 fashion-forward silhouettes…

Before I began working on this article, all the dresses on my imaginary wedding Pinterest moodboard shared three characteristics: they were long-sleeved, backless and form-fitting. Despite being pretty confident about what I wanted, I was feeling nervous about heading to a boutique to play dress-up: changing rooms are not my friends, and us shorter gals often dread the try-on, wriggling into jeans that trail past our toes or being swallowed up in dresses that look more maxi than midi. This is why I buy most of my clothes online – at least when I try them on, I’m in the comfort of my own bedroom. So I was stunned when my experience of gown shopping turned out to be amazing. OPUS COUTURE Since my mum is normally my go-to for…

“Greens have been popular in store this year, across the spectrum from pale seagrass/willow, through the midtones like sage/evergreen/eucalyptus, right up to the darker hunter/forest shades.”Karen Wright, The Finer Detail “We’ve seen lots of bridal parties mixing different fabrics together in the same colours to create variety. Coming into the autumn, burnt oranges and burgundies are making a breakthrough, too.”Megan Carberry, Kudos Bridal Boutiques (Dunfermline) Stockists on page 322…

Stockists on page 322…

1 YEAR TO GO PLANNING Leaving the best till last doesn’t apply to weddings, so be on the ball and nab your MUA and hair stylist as soon as you’ve lined up the date and venue. Danielle Dickson Makeup Artist warns that you should be booking between two to three years in advance for a weekend wedding. Georgina at I Do Makeup by Geo Kane seconds this: “If you have a supplier in mind, lock in your date with them as soon as you’ve booked your venue.” One year ahead of time is when you should start picking up good habits that will have your skin and hair in tip-top condition for the wedding. These habits can be as simple as remembering to take your makeup off at the end…

TTKS EDITOR BETH FORSYTH AND FRIEND BILL Bill, my Sri-Mancan bestie (that’s Sri Lankan and Mancunian in case you’re wondering), lives for dressing up. He’s at his happiest planning outfits for Halloween or fancy-dress parties. Between you and me, though, we’re at that age where there are fewer such invites and more 40ths and weddings to go to instead. Even in his day-to-day life, Bill is a natty dresser, so I relished taking him shopping. Our first stop was Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers in Edinburgh, where I picked out tartan trews for him, plus a blue tweed jacket and waistcoat (2). Seeing as Bill has a collection of bow ties that could rival Imelda Marcos’s obsession with shoes, I chose a fun floral-print bow tie to accessorise the outfit. His own…

Ibiza, Bordeaux, Cumbernauld – which would you pick? Maxine and Sean were very tempted by the thought of an island elopement or a fairytale chateau, but in the end they knew they had to opt for somewhere closer to home. “We were in the process of enquiring about a venue in Bordeaux when we realised that we’d feel too guilty asking our friends and family to make the journey,” explains Sean. “So we decided to look in Scotland,” adds Maxine. “I typed ‘alternative wedding venues in Scotland’ into Google as we knew we wanted something different to all the weddings we’d been to as guests. Eden Leisure Village was the first place we visited, and we instantly knew it was perfect for us – Sean and I love the outdoors…

W-day is fast approaching for our brides-to-be, blogger Hazel, industry insider Natalie and graphic designer Ellen – and one of them is not sure about her venue…! It’s more than two weeks since I got home from my hen weekend and I’m still not over it! What a time we had! There’s not a lot else happening on the planning front so I’ll just use this update to share all the details of the most brilliant weekend. Right from the beginning, my bridal party and I knew we wanted to go abroad for my hen. The only problem was that Neil and I are having a spring wedding so the timing was a bit awkward if we were going to catch some good weather in Europe. After chatting it through,…

After postponing their nuptials for two years due to Covid, Dale and Samantha were joined by 27 of their nearest and dearest as they wed in the Cypriot sunshine. Was it all plain sailing in the end? “We got engaged in June 2015 on holiday in Cyprus, and originally planned to marry there in May 2020: Paphos is a special place to us and we wanted to have a small, private wedding,” bride Samantha tells us. “Covid, however, had other ideas.” In 2019, before the pandemic struck, she and Dale had returned to the island to begin the planning process. They met up with Sharron Masoura of Exclusive Yacht Weddings, who would be on hand to help make their dream day a reality. The couple immediately fell for Lemba Vrisi…

REAL WEDDINGS Sammy Walker & Dale Clancy 22nd July 2022 at Lewinshope, Scottish Borders Photography by Natalie Martin Photography After 5½ years together, Dale proposed to me in the middle of the first lockdown. We had set out for a sunrise walk on 13th June 2020 and were at the top of the hill that overlooks our house, when Dale set a ring box amongst a cairn and got down on one knee. It really was the biggest and best surprise! He also had a full day of treats organised back at our favourite spot: home. It really is a day I wish I could relive. On our walk back down, we passed the only venue we’d consider: Lewinshope. It sits in a stunning setting near Selkirk with plenty of…

Stockists on page 322…

BASS ROCK CEILIDH BAND Simon Harris What’s so great about a ceilidh at a wedding? We really feel ceilidhs are an integral part of any proper Scottish wedding, helping to bring all the guests together and celebrate a pivotal life event in a great fun, collaborative and memorable way. We think it’s nice to rock out while you’re doing that – which is where we come in! Tell us about the band We’ve been together, with a few changes in lineup, since 2014 and are a truly electric four-piece ceilidh band – bringing an exciting, modern twist to traditional ceilidh music. Although this may give the impression that we’re a loud band, that needn’t be the case. As all the instrumentation is fully electric and direct to PA with minimal…

Suppliers listed on page 322 A AISLE RUNNER “White aisle carpet runners are popular right now: they are more durable than you’d think, and can be used indoors or out,” says Christina Turner at Say I Do Weddings. “They tie in perfectly with neutral ceremony decor, and can be up to 30 feet long.” It’s possible to personalise an aisle runner by adding your names and the wedding date – something Christina says is very in at the moment. “Another trend is 3D floral runners. These can be placed at the side of any aisle carpet for a luxury feel,” she adds. B BALLOON DECOR No longer reserved for kids’ parties, balloons can add some grown-up va-va-voom to your decor. “We supply balloon arches that can be placed around welcome…

GRECIAN GODDESS With its name derived from the ancient Greek word ‘Elysium’, meaning state of perfect happiness, it is no wonder the arrival of American brand Elysee has left Amy King Bridal and Beauty in Kirkcaldy in a state of bliss. With details that draw inspiration from neoclassical art and architecture, the label uses modern lines to accentuate figures and contour body shapes. The result? Showstopping looks that remain classically bridal with a little sprinkle of sexy. Our favourite gown in the collection is Athenias (left, £POA). The figure-enhancing floral baroque lace is immaculately balanced, while the cascading, sculpted train draws the eye to all the right places. Even better, the draped tulle sleeves are detachable, so you can change your look up from day to night. “We are thrilled…

Stockists on page 322 Creative direction Beth Forsyth Photography Alexandra Roscoe www.instagram.com/alexandraroscoe Styling Nicola Cameron www.instagram.com/stylingbynic Hair Eileen Nugent Bridal Hair and Makeup eileen-nugent.com; engrows.com Makeup Danielle Dickson Makeup Artist www.danielledicksonmakeupartist.com Model Lucy Splaine, Colours Agency www.coloursagency.com Bell tent and styling Sol et Luna www.instagram.com/sol.etluna Shot on location at Cambo Country House and Estate, Kingsbarns, Fife. Thanks to the team there. On the edge of the North Sea, Cambo Country House is arguably the ultimate wedding house-party venue in Scotland. Surrounded by formal gardens, the traditional grandeur of the main house is just a short stroll through ancient woodlands to the wildly beautiful Cambo Sands. The entertainment spaces are no less impressive. Each with a distinctive character – from the elegant dining room to party spaces in the Courtyard and…

FAUX FUR WEARING FAUX FUR IN WINTER MAY NOT BE GROUNDBREAKING, BUT ADDING SUBTLE AMOUNTS WILL KEEP YOU COSY IN A VERY CHIC WAY JEWEL TONES: EMERALD JEWEL TONES ARE BIG NEWS FOR A/W. FIRST UP, GORGEOUS EMERALD GREEN JEWEL TONES: RUBY BE THE PROTAGONIST OF CHRIS DE BURGH’S SONG IN ONE OF THESE KNOCKOUT RUBY LOOKS FEATHERS CREATE A BOLD STATEMENT IN THE MOST DELICATE OF WAYS BY ADDING PLUMAGE TO YOUR LOOK JEWEL TONES: SAPPHIRE THIS SEASON, MUMS CAN BE THE ‘SOMETHING BLUE’ IN A RIGHT ROYAL SHADE APPLIQUÉ DELICATE DETAILING RETURNS THIS SEASON, BUT IN THE MOST EYE-CATCHING OF WAYS STAND-OUT SPARKLE ‘TIS THE SEASON TO GO BIG OR GO HOME, AND THESE GLITTERING GOWNS ARE CERTAINLY NO SHRINKING VIOLETS Stockists on page 322…

Stockists on page 322…

MACGREGOR AND MACDUFF No hue fits quite as nicely with crisp autumnal weather than brown, and Highlandwear favourite MacGregor and MacDuff shows us how to keep it dapper. The Clunie tweed jacket is a perfect choice for both formal and casual events, and there are more than 4,000 different tartans to pair it with. There is also big news at the company: it will be expanding its portfolio of stores to open a branch in Edinburgh this autumn to kit out all the east-coast gents. MCCALLS No matter the time of year, there is one hue that’s always on top when it comes to groomswear: grey. The versatile colour can work in any setting, with any colour scheme, and looks good on pretty much any fella tying the knot. “We…

BURN BABY BURN On the hunt for thoughtful favours that have a purpose after the big day has passed? Jojo Co Candles can help with that. Its hand-poured, soy wax candles come in seven delectable scents of which Winter Grace – a woody, spicy fragrance best enjoyed cosied up on the sofa – would be a fitting addition to festive nuptials. There’s also a ‘scent my wedding’ service available to help you create a bespoke fragrance. All candles feature personalised labels. www.jojococandles.com FLOWER POWER Falkirk-based florist Eternity Blooms’ has recently opened a bright and airy new flower bar and workshop in the town [left and below]. “People can come in for a chat and browse and buy flowers and gifts. My customers so far have been commenting that it’s a…

Since our last update, things have been a little up in the air, as the reality of just how much it costs to put a full wedding together has sunk in. We are still so excited about our day, but we’ve realised that we don’t need or want an extremely extravagant wedding; we’d rather put that money towards a honeymoon (which we wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise), doing up our flat, and other things that matter more to us as a couple. We have an Excel spread sheet that Callum’s mum kindly put together for us, and we started to chip away at it, entering in all of our plans, deposits and details. Things were quickly adding up, and we realised a lot of this was due to the…

Again and again, brides and grooms tell us that their wedding day flew by. From the time the alarm clock rings at 6am (yes, plenty of brides really do get up that early to start their prep) to the moment you finally step into your honeymoon suite slippers, there’s barely a moment to think. That’s where your photographer comes in. A good one will be just as capable of snapping your 10am bridal prep as your closing rendition of Loch Lomond, so you don’t forget a minute of your wonderful, long-awaited day. So, what does it take to get the perfect shot at the many key stages of the day? Some of Scotland’s top snappers fill us in. 1. GETTING READY For relaxed wedding-prep pictures, you’ll need to factor in…

CEREMONY “Children are not designed to sit still and quietly for long periods of time, so it’s no surprise that they get bored and vocal pretty quickly during wedding ceremonies,” says the Glasgow Nanny’s Steph Church. She recommends sitting children at the end of the aisle so her team can take them out with minimum disruption if they get restless. “If the child is part of the wedding party, my other top tip is to have someone text the nanny once the ceremony has finished so that the youngster can be brought back in for photos or to walk up the aisle,” she adds. COCKTAIL HOUR AND PHOTOGRAPHS This is a great opportunity for adults to unwind and bond with their fellow guests, but that is much harder to do…