Innholdsfortegnelse for February - March 2023 i Tie the Knot Scotland

They say it takes 10,000 hours to become a true expert in a skill or subject. Unless you’re thinking on having a very long, intense engagement, it’s unlikely you’ll become one in the field of wedding planning. Thankfully, there are plenty in Scotland who are, and when they get married, you can guarantee they are going to be full of ideas. We ask five newlywed industry professionals what more they learned when planning their own incredible big days (p.220). Our real weddings, starting on page 260, feature a broad array of styles this issue – from a midweek rave in a barn, to a snowy Highland elopement – and are filled to the brim with useful pointers, such as not deleting emails from vendors, and allocating a routine time to…

Stockists on page 338 SWEET SPEND “This year, we’re focused on helping our brides find their dream dress at their dream budget,” Julia Wong at Isobel Florence Bridal tells us. “One of the newest designers at our Dalbeattie boutique is the award winning Australian brand Tania Olsen, which offers sensational bridal gowns at an affordable price tag.” Looks from the label start at £750, like the fabulous Zara (left, £POA), which we adore for its playful 3D floral lace detailing on the bodice. It’s blooming lovely! Congratulations are in order at Joyce Young Design Studios, which is celebrating 30 years in the business. There are plenty of exciting things happening at the Glasgow-based atelier as they mark this milestone, including welcoming a host of new dresses for brides, like the…

Stockists on page 338 The world of fashion has, thankfully, started to become more inclusive in recent years. Nowadays, we see a diverse range of models – different frames, abilities and skin tones – in magazines and on the catwalk, as the human body is celebrated in all its forms. Think back to Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty show in 2018, where model Slick Woods paraded her baby bump down the runway! The bridal fashion world, in contrast, sometimes falls short: models often fit one particular mould only, leaving everyone who’s not in the young, slim and able-bodied category in the dark about what would suit them. Six recent brides talk us through their experiences of gown shopping, from factoring a wheelchair into the equation, to finding out they were pregnant…

OPEN FOR BUSINESS There have been some big changes at Glasgow-based Mia Bella, most notably, they have moved to lovely new premises! The award-winning boutique has opened up a bigger store on Virginia Street (just off Argyle Street) with more changing rooms, meaning they can offer more appointments to mamas on the hunt for their wedding ensemble. Customers will be able to browse and try on collections from labels such as Veromia Occasions, Lizabella and Couture-Club in luxury and privacy. One of our favourites is this navy V-neck gown (left, style 7G153, £POA) from the Barcelona-based brand Couture-Club. “We will be bringing in new designers for 2023 as well as running some competitions to celebrate our new store – including winning a free dress – so keep an eye out,”…

Stockists on page 338 ARIES A bold take on spring florals CANCER A sensible shape in a watery shade TAURUS A chic dipped-hem for this luxury-loving earth sign GEMINI Two playful, knockout looks at once LEO Take your place in the spotlight with this dazzling gown VIRGO An elegant and poised silhouette LIBRA A balance of playful and elegant AQUARIUS A showstopping ensemble for the fashion risk takers SCORPIO The perfect look for this edgy water sign SAGITTARIUS A fun-loving trouser suit for the adventurous archer PISCES Make a splash in this floaty, artsy-print dress CAPRICORN A practical dress that can be worn again…

Stockists on page 338 If we don’t look after our precious wedding rings and keep them clean and well maintained, they’ll get worn down and maybe end up beyond repair. “Without a doubt, a ring that is worn every single day will get dirty. There’s nothing you can do to prevent that,” says Sarah Raffel at Brazen Studios. There are steps we can take to look after these precious pieces at home, but, just like cars, they sometimes need to be brought to the experts for a quick MOT and service. Read on for advice on how best to look after your jewels and when it’s worth getting them some professional attention. RING IT OUT So you should take your rings back to your jeweller occasionally for some TLC, but…

Stockists on page 338 Peaky Blinders SQUAD GOALS Dressing your squad in suave ensembles that the Shelby brothers would be proud of has never been easier thanks to groomswear titan Slater Menswear. Suits from their Ventura range (right, from a selection, from £79) come in myriad colours and styles, making light work of tying into wedding schemes. This style of suit also pairs nicely with straight and bow ties as demonstrated. Push the boat out with a bold patterned number. SUAVE SUITS Who said that sleek looks could only come in black or grey? Not suit experts Remus Uomo, that’s for sure. This standout tobacco three-piece (right) will become a hard-working wardrobe staple: it can easily be dressed up for your big day, but lose the waistcoat and this ensemble…

PAULINE MUIR Wedding manager, Citation, Glasgow Tell us a bit about what you do My job is to look after all the weddings at Citation, from the initial enquiry through the planning stage and right up until the couple’s big day. Whether I’m helping with supplier recommendations or giving personal hints and tips, my aim is to go above and beyond for all my couples. Talk us through an average day in your working life After a strong coffee, my morning generally consists of catching up on emails and urgent enquiries. It’s always my priority to respond to couples who’re getting married that week or in the coming weeks, as they will often have last-minute changes or questions. I’ll also be forward-planning and thinking about the weddings that are coming up…

When Louise and Frazer got engaged, they knew there was only one place where they could ever tie the knot: the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. “We both agreed we wanted to get married somewhere really beautiful and so of course we had our hearts set on somewhere like this,” recalls Louise. “And the Lodge on Loch Lomond is such a romantic and picturesque place to get married. We knew exactly what we were looking for when we visited the hotel for the first time, and it absolutely ticked all the boxes for us.” The couple hail from West Dunbartonshire, and were keen to find a venue where they, and their nearest and dearest, could stretch out the wedding celebrations for a bit longer than just a single day. “We…

Capacity min 2 max day 80 night 120 Marquee ✓ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 20 Price per head from £35 Self-catered option ✓ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility full Package offers wedding packages with 50 guests from £3,500 BERKELEY HOUSE AYR An exclusive-use venue situated on the edge of Ayr town centre, Berkeley House feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle. The 200-year-old Georgian townhouse is surrounded by beautiful and private walled gardens, terraces and patios. Catering for small and medium events, you can create your fairytale celebration at this fussfree and budget-friendly venue. Tel: 01292 266674, www.berkeleyayr.co.uk Capacity min n/a max day 50 night n/a Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps n/a Price per head from £POA Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility full…

I love that I can now say “We’re getting married this year!” In all honesty, I can’t quite believe how the time has flown. I feel we’ve been pretty organised but we’ve now got to the point where we need to start looking at the finer details, such as rings, decor, invites and guest lists. Since my last diary entry, Chris and I have been back to Glenbervie House for a meeting with our new coordinator, Kayleigh. She was so lovely and answered all our burning questions, and it was great to have another look around. We’ve managed to get another few things ticked off the to-do list, including booking cars. We went with Carrs Loch Lomond and have hired a classic Beauford to take me and my dad to…

REAL WEDDINGS Lauren McNaught & Diane Ashby 6th August 2022 at Strathaven Hotel, South Lanarkshire Photography by For Love + Thistle Photography Diane and I had been together for three years before she proposed. We were house-sitting for friends and having a cosy night in, but it couldn’t have been more perfect. She’d asked for my dad’s permission to marry me, which was one of the few wedding traditions that mattered to me. We simply enjoyed being engaged for a while before we started planning. The first thing we sorted out was our venue. We wanted to host everything under one roof and accommodation was a priority, as we had friends and family travelling from down south who wouldn’t want to drive. “DIANE HAD ASKED FOR MY DAD’S PERMISSION TO…

Get Knotted decorated Wedderburn Castle and Barns for Jade and Kamal Masood Scotland’s weather is notoriously fickle, but that didn’t stop Jade and Kamal planning an outdoor ceremony at Wedderburn at Duns in the Borders. As the old saying goes: fortune favours the brave – they had a lovely sunny day. “I told Katie at Get Knotted that I’d like all-white decor for the ceremony – white seats (rather than seats with chair covers) and four large ornamental urns on pedestals bursting with white flowers,” Jade tells us. “She finished off the look with end-of-aisle posies of white gypsophila (later used on the beams in the barn). It was very clean and crisp and worked beautifully with the backdrop of the 18th-century castle.” As for the barn, where the party moved…

A Aesthetically Perfect Skin aestheticallyperfectskin.com Abitto www.abitto.com Aire Barcelona www.airebarcelona.com Amy King Bridal and Beauty amykingbridal.co.uk Allsorts Clay allsortsclay.co.uk Andrea Hawkes www.andreahawkes.co.uk Anne Priscilla Bridal www.annepriscillabridal.co.uk Ashley Wild Bridal www.ashleywildbridal.co.uk ATB Jewellery www.atbjewellery.co.uk B Bear Necessities bearnecessitiesfashion.co.uk Bentleys www.bentleys-banchory.co.uk Ben Wyvis Kilts www.benwyviskilts.co.uk Berta Privée www.berta.com The Bias Cut www.thebiascut.com Bombshell London www.bombshellhq.com Bentleys www.bentleys-banchory.co.uk Brazen Studios www.brazenstudios.co.uk Brian Rennie Couture www.brianrenniecouture.com C Catherines of Partick catherinesofpartick.co.uk Catwalk catwalk-falkirk.co.uk Charlotte Grace Bridal www.charlottegracebridal.com Clarnico Cakes www.facebook.com/ClarnicoCakes Classic VW St Andrews www.classicvwstandrews.co.uk Clova Thistles www.clovathistles.co.uk Condici condici.com Confetti Direct www.confettidirect.co.uk Couture-Club www.rosaclara.es Crossbill Gin www.crossbillgin.com D Dainty Pig Designs @daintypigdesigns on Instagram Dressed Up by Veromia veromia.co.uk/Dressed-Up.html The Dressing Rooms thedressingroomsboutique.co.uk Dune London www.dunelondon.com E Ellis Bridals ellisbridals.co.uk Enzoani www.enzoani.com Eternity Blooms www.eternityblooms.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.com/uk F Farrar and Tanner www.farrar-tanner.co.uk Favourbrook…

Stockists on page 338 SUITS YOU Looking to forgo tradition and put a cool spin on your wedding wardrobe? Slip into Whistles’ Andie suit and pair with a statement lip for an elegantly louche look worthy of Vogue. Jacket, £299, and trousers, £299. ON RED ALERT If you’re as obsessed with bridal designer Maggie Sottero as we are (who wouldn’t be with styles like the knockout Scarlett, right, £POA, in their armoury?), there is exciting news at Kudos Bridal Boutiques (Dunfermline): the boutique will be hosting a designer event with the label. “This will run from 24th February to 10th March,” the store’s Megan Carberry tells us. “Designer events are always exciting and we love giving our brides the opportunity to try styles that aren’t always available in store with…

Stockists on page 338 DETACHABLES Switch up your bridal look in style SHOP THE TREND REMOVABLE ITEMS Gowns with detachable items are having a moment at West Kilbride’s Opus Couture – but this doesn’t just have to be sleeves, as the Cornelia gown by Wona demonstrates. “Sleek and simple designs aren’t going anywhere fast, neither are detachable items like sleeves, overskirts and bows,” the store’s Lauren tells us. “Cornelia’s fitted skirt will enhance your figure, while the detachable mikado overskirt will add drama and volume for your ceremony.” DARING NECKLINE These racy cuts will ensure your big day look is sexy and sassy SHOP THE TREND EDGY ELEMENTS “A lot of our designers are creating plainer gowns with edgy elements to keep them looking modern,” says Megan Carberry at Kudos…

Wearing your dream dress and feeling as good as you look are the ultimate goals for any bride-to-be on her big day. And the multi-award-winning wedding-dress boutique Opus Couture will make dreams come true for one lucky bride this spring as they’ll win a gown worth £1,500! Opus Couture is set just 45 minutes outside Glasgow in the quaint coastal town of West Kilbride. It offers a range of exclusive bridal brands and designer dresses from names such as Pronovias, Berta, Maggie Sottero and Enzoani, all hand-selected by an in-house team of design experts. Opus Couture also offers a bespoke online concierge service on its website, where brides can get to know their own bridal style via interactive quizzes and can even book directly into the diary for a one-to-one…

Stockists on page 338 Congrats It’s an exciting time for Joyce Young Design Studios as they celebrate 30 years in the business. “Over the decades, the company has dressed thousands of delighted mothers and never takes for granted being chosen to take such a key role in your most special day,” the designer herself tells us. “By continuing to create classic shapes and making use of luxurious, high-quality fabrics, our collections are designed to stand the test of time.” Looking to coordinate your MoB and MoG ensembles? Joyce shows how to do it impeccably: the organza coat with tartan bow and dress (above left) complements the crepe jumpsuit with added tartan cape (above right), but each still stands alone beautifully. Both made to order, £POA. HOT STUFF Catherines of Partick…

Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 BEHIND the scenes THE TEAM WHO WORKED ON OUR MUMS’ PHOTOSHOOT TELL US HOW THEY MADE THE MAGIC HAPPEN The stylist MEET THE TEAM Styling Nicola Cameron [left] Photography Hamish Campbell www.iamhamish.com Hair Kiera McKay at Alter Ego Hair Art @alteregohairart Makeup Susie Campbell Makeup Artist www.susiecampbellmakeupartist.com Models Ann Tocoda at Model Team; Julie Gemmell (freelance) Location Boclair House, Bearsden, Glasgow Tel: 0141 942 4278 events@boclairhousehotel.co.uk www.boclairhousehotel.co.uk The makeup The hair THE VENUE Situated in immaculate gardens in Bearsden, Boclair House is a Tudor Gothic mansion known for its beautiful red sandstone exterior. The venue boasts a luxury interior,…

Stockists on page 338 “Its always nice to have a little bit of sparkle on your wedding day. The timelessness of diamonds translates into the most classic of styles that can be worn into the future, forever a reminder of your special day. Our beautiful diamond drop earrings are the perfect piece for creating this glamorous look.”Julia Redshaw, Laings “This is a beautifully cut suit with lovely clean lines. I’d style it with our double-row pearl rope necklace to make a big statement and to take advantage of the jacket’s plunging neckline. It’s a classic design, but the different-sized pearls in the necklace give it a modern edge. The bracelet makes a real impact too, and the earrings bring a bit of sparkle.”Lorraine Thomas, Lido Collection “The ring below has…

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 20 max day 80 night 80 Marquee ✓ capacity 80 provided ✘ Sleeps 56 Price per head from £30 Self-catered option ✓ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility partial…

MARION MCKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY “This gorgeous confetti image was pretty special as it was the culmination of months of picking and drying roses from the bride’s family’s garden to actually make the confetti for the wedding at Boath House in Nairn,” Marion McKinnon tells us. “In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much confetti!” (marionmckinnon.com) ANDY HAMILTON PHOTOGRAPHY “Sarah and Ewan opted not to have posed photos with their groomsmen and bridal party at their wedding at The Engine Works in Glasgow. However, best man, Alan, was determined to get in on the action when I sat the newlyweds down for some photos! The couple absolutely love this shot and I think it highlights the importance of a more candid approach to photography. Sometimes it’s the unplanned, unprompted…

It’s the part of wedding planning that everyone thinks they’re going to enjoy. We all firmly believe our taste in music is the best, and we’re finally going to get a chance to show it off with our own pick of the tunes! Yet the reality is that when it comes time to put together a playlist for your musician or DJ, it can be a bit of a headscratcher. The songs you love to belt out in the car perhaps aren’t really suitable background music for your drinks reception, and your favourite Phoebe Bridgers track might be too dreary to march down the aisle to. In situations like this, it’s always best to consult the musical gurus in your life – and the musical gurus in my life turn…

SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT ULTIMATE PRIVATE HIRE Louise McKinnon Tell us about Ultimate Private Hire We’ve been in business for 12 years and are based in a new purpose-built showroom in Stirling. We cover mainly central Scotland, but can travel all over the country – and frequently do thanks to the range of our fleet. We have something for everyone, whether they want a vintage 1930s style of car, or a more modern Mercedes Benz. We also have four Mercedes Benz V-Class seven-seaters which are perfect for transporting larger bridal parties in style. What does a typical wedding day look like for the team? UPH is known for its exacting standards and attention to detail, so we do a lot of the prep prior to the big day. (We can source car ribbons…

Guests expect a little surprise waiting for them at the dinner table, but you might want your favours to have more meaning than a whisky miniature or a square of tablet can provide. How about charity favours? They can be a lovely thank-you, while funding a worthy cause. Whether you want to help a charity that’s close to your heart or you’d simply like to give something back, there’ll be an option for you. Here are three to get you started. CHILDREN’S HOSPICES ACROSS SCOTLAND (CHAS) “CHAS was founded in 1992 by volunteers and parents of children with life-shortening conditions who previously had to travel to England to access children’s hospice services,” says the organisation’s Mairead Macleod. The charity offers a full-family support service for babies, children and young people,…

SWEET AND SASSI Bridal powerhouse Sassi Holford has once again pulled out all the stops with her 2023 collection, Let There Be Love. The British designer has reimagined modern femininity, pairing innovative fabrics with confident, clean silhouettes. Expect organic textures, defined lines and intricate detailing. Case in point, the Felicity gown [left] whose feathered feature skirt is unafraid to make a statement. Lovers of a classic high neck redolent of iconic bride Grace Kelly will want to check out Taylor [top left]. This is a look designed to hug curves in all the right places, while the floral lace overlay and plunging bodice put a twist on tradition. Fond of the more is more approach? The Casey gown [bottom left] is one for you: there’s 3D organza flowers, bold ruffles…

Imagine telling all your friends and family that you are having your wedding dress designed by the same person who designed Jennifer Lopez’s first wedding dress! Believe it or not, it’s now possible, as the redcarpet’s favourite designer Brian Rennie has returned home to Scotland. Having studied fashion at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, Brian then went on to work for German label Escada. As Design Director there, he perfected the techniques and quality craftsmanship of haute couture. He also launched Escada Couture, whose glamorous evening gowns became a staple on the red carpet at the Oscars, Golden Globes, the Grammys, SAG Awards, BAFTAs and many more. He counts Halle Berry, Andie MacDowell, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Geena Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Seymore, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jerry…

Photography by Laura A. Tiliman Photography Set design by Weddings by Fantasy Greens Styling and direction by Patricia-Ann Young Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 Stockists on page 338 BEHIND the scenes TAKE A PEEK BEHIND THE LENS AND MEET THE DREAM TEAM BEHIND OUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL PHOTOSHOOT MEET THE TEAM Styling and direction Patricia-Ann Young Shoot assistants Beth Forsyth and Nicole Conner Photography Laura A. Tiliman Photography @lauraatilimanphotography  Set design Weddings by Fantasy Greens @weddingsbyfantasygreens  Hair Lyndsey Kerr at Love Hair Glasgow www.lovehairglasgow.co.uk Makeup Makeup By Leigh Blaney www.makeupbyleighblaney.co.uk  Model Eilidh Alexander at Colours Agency www.coloursagency.com Location Cove One Studios…

Stockists on page 338 AT THE OUTSET Struggling with outfit basics such as where to buy? Social media is a great first port of call, says Robyn Bell of Catherines of Partick: “We recommend starting the search early. That’s because, as with most of the wedding industry, everything works a season ahead – so the sooner you start looking the more options you’ll have. Happily, thanks to the extensive range of dresses that we have available in our store in Glasgow’s west end, we can also accommodate anyone who needs a fast turnaround.” CURVY MUMS Pick a look that enhances your shape, rather than trying to hide the bits you don’t like: that’s the advice of Kayleigh Kerr of Serendipity. The Kilmarnock boutique stocks looks that go up to a size…

Rachel Aitken-Williams had her face painted by AMM Hair and Makeup Team For Rachel, a makeup look similar to what she normally goes for (a glowy finish with smokey eyes), and feeling comfortable in her own skin, were two key factors in what she wanted from her bridal glam – and the AMM team delivered: “I loved that my friends all said ‘you just look like you’ when they saw me,” smiles the bride. Janice from Lanarkshire-based AMM was happy to travel to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh for the w-day. “From the first call with Janice, I knew her team would fit in perfectly with my clan,” says Rachel. “She had breakfast with us at my parents’ home before getting to work. The morning was very chilled and I…

Stockists on page 338 MCCALLS Looking to snare a knockout look without having to go down the bespoke route? Head to groomswear clothing expert McCalls, which is proud to launch a new range of quick-to-get trews, perfect for grooms wanting to look the part without the wait time. Available in the store’s popular Pride tartans, like the Hunting option below, this is the perfect way to inject tartan into an outfit if kilts aren’t your bag. You could even mix and match your party to make things cool, like these gents have. SLANJ KILTS Footie fans, this one’s for you… Highlandwear specialist Slanj Kilts has brought back its ‘Hire Any Tartan’ scheme, where grooms can choose from hundreds of tartans when renting their look – including the new St Mirren…

Iditched my Dry January resolutions almost as soon as my partner and I stepped over the threshold of Virgin Hotels’ brand-new outpost in Edinburgh – we’d been offered a glass of prosecco to ‘accompany us’ on the walk to our room. How could I resist? It was the right decision, as it turned out our home for the night was essentially the hotel’s honeymoon suite, a glamorous set of rooms named after Eve Branson, mother of Virgin owner Sir Richard. It’ll certainly see plenty more celebratory fizz popped from April onwards, when the hotel hosts its first wedding. Built into the octagonal bell tower of a former church (of which more later), this spacious suite would guarantee a blissful first night of married life. It’s plushly decorated in dusky pink,…

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 n/a max day220night 300 Marquee ✓ capacity unlimited provided ✘ Sleeps 40 Price per head from £POA Self-catered option ✓ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility full Package offers from £6,500 BLAIR CASTLE PERTHSHIRE For the perfect match of…

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 2 max day 250 night 250 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 374 Price per head from£85 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use8 Accessibility full Package offers For offers, contact weddings.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com THE BALMORAL EDINBURGH From intimate affairs…

Many couples already know what style of venue they’d like to get married in, often well before anyone has even popped the question. For Zoe and Aimeelouise, however, it wasn’t so easy – the pair knew that, for them, it had to be love at first sight. “We didn’t know what we wanted, and didn’t have a particular look in mind,” Zoe recalls. “We just knew that we would know it as soon as we found the right place, and that’s what ended up happening.” The couple viewed a few different places, but when they arrived at Low Parks Museum in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, it was clear to them both that the search was finally over. “It was beautiful,” smiles Zoe. “We both got butterflies when we first saw the…

Capacity min 2 max day 170 night 250 Marquee ✓ capacity 500 provided Sleeps 130 Price per head from £200 Self-catered option ✓ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility full Package offers individually priced ACHNAGAIRN CASTLE INVERNESS Achnagairn Castle is a five-star, exclusive-use venue, named one of the top five in the UK by Harper’s Bazaar. Marry, dine and dance in its vaulted ballroom, enjoy its palatial bridal suite, and sleep all your guests in its designer bedrooms. Rent the castle or full estate for two nights or more for a wedding that is entirely bespoke, and utterly extraordinary. Tel: 01463 831878, www.perfect-manors.com Capacity min 2 max day 80 night 100 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 103 Price per head from £94 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility partial Package…

Tasha the Celebrant “One of my favourite ‘traditional’ readings is ‘Union’ by Robert Fulghum – probably because it doesn’t feel typically ‘traditional’, as it’s so accessible (the language is easy to understand) and it’s so relatable. It’s a really lovely one for a close friend or family member to read for you.” Here’s a sample: “Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today you shall say to…

REAL WEDDINGS Caitlin McGurk & Jonathan Olejnik 23rd September 2022 at Macdonald Crutherland House Hotel, East Kilbride Photography by Gary James Photography Our engagement was like something out of a movie. We were on holiday in Italy and Jono rented a private boat on the Amalfi Coast at sunset to propose. It was so beautiful! I am from Salsburgh in North Lanarkshire and Jono is from Essex, but we have lived in Australia for the past five years. Covid stopped us getting back home to the UK for three years. During that period, we considered getting married Down Under, but I am so glad we held off and got married in Scotland surrounded by our nearest and dearest – especially as Jono loves Scottish parties! As our families are spread out,…

The visual impact of a cake is important and can tie together a wedding’s aesthetic, but – if we’re being blunt – your guests are probably more interested in what it tastes like. We caught up with two top Scottish bakers to hear what’s on the cake menu. “My cakes are all baked using natural flavourings; I don’t use essences or extracts if I can avoid them and I think that’s why my clients enjoy my bakes so much,” says Sandra Dillon of Sandra’s Cakes St Andrews. Her five staple sponges and fillings are Madagascan vanilla with raspberry or strawberry jam; dark chocolate filled with choc and salted caramel buttercreams; tangy lemon drizzle filled with lemon curd; red velvet filled with Swiss meringue buttercream; and a moist, moreish carrot cake…

Shakespeare famously said that music is the food of love – but, to me, food is the food of love. We all remember romantic dates at our favourite restaurants, or shivering in the Scottish cold next to an amazing food truck because the churros really are just that good. Some of our best times with our significant other is spent over food, and here at TTKS we love to hear about couples who honour those good times in the amazing meals they serve up to their wedding guests. Working with a caterer can be a creative (and delicious) way to personalise your wedding. We caught up with four amazing companies to chat about the coolest weddings they’ve catered for over the last year. If you want ideas of how to…