Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 - January 2024 i Tie the Knot Scotland

This issue, I’m loving… It’s the most wonderful time of the year – winter. Yep, I’m one of those weirdos who love the colder months. What can I say, I’m a sucker for clumpy boots, snuggly cashmere and scented candles. If you are too, then you’ll find there’s plenty to warm your heart this issue. What do you see when you imagine your wedding venue? If it’s a castle with snow-capped turrets, or a rustic barn decked out in twinkling fairylights, turn to page 104 to read about 10 atmospheric Scottish settings that really come into their own when the mercury drops. We may as well add another to that list: Killochan Castle. We recently photographed the season’s most decadent attire for brides and grooms against this Ayrshire gem’s opulent,…

Stockists on page 258 SCAN TO SEE more from Glasgow bridal boutiques…

Stockists on page 258 Pearls While the lustrous white stones never really seem to go out of fashion, there are fresh takes on them in store for next year. “Pearls will continue to be a staple in 2024, but with the introduction of colour,” says Rachael Wood at Orkney jeweller, Sheila Fleet. “In our latest collection, Shells, there are peach and black pearls on our new hand-finished Limpet, Mussel and Oyster designs.” Particularly interesting to note is the increased participation of men in the gem’s styling – the world has become their oyster. “From Lido’s perspective, we are ideally placed to tap into this trend. Many of our necklace and bracelet designs offer a straight crossover from ladies’ to men’s styles,” says Lorraine Thomas of Lido Collection. “Often it just…

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There’s a good reason children’s toys are usually colourful – those eye catching hues and bright buttons are designed to attract wee ones and delight their senses. This same ‘magpie’ theory can be applied to adults too (or at least to me) – if something is bright and beautiful, I want to know all about it. When you think of wedding cakes and flowers, you might instantly conjure up a traditional picture of smooth white fondant and playing-it-safe petals. But I’m delighted to announce that times are changing, and that going big and bold is increasingly the way in the Scottish Borders. “I’m starting to see couples being a bit more adventurous in terms of colour and flavours,” says Nicola Moffat at Tweed bankbased Ruby & Pearl Cake Art. “I…

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 would 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 160 night 160 Marquee ✔ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 40 Price per head from n/a Self-catered option ✔ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers please enquire for more information…

Mabel Barclay and James Balfour, 17th June 2023 That old British music-hall song about liking to be beside the seaside still resonates with so many people, even a century after it was penned. Two of those who still reckon the sentiments are true are Mabel and James, who tied the knot in a venue in one of their favourite places – the Isle of Arran. “We were looking for somewhere that represented our personalities and interests and that was in a location we loved and had a connection with,” explains Mabel. “We both really enjoy being outdoors, especially in the mountains and by the sea. We didn’t want a huge venue for our wedding and reception – we preferred to keep things small and personal.” The pair got engaged on a…

Capacity min 30 max day 120 night 150 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps n/a Price per head from £110 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full  Package offers packages start from £110pp 1599 AT THE ROYAL COLLEGE GLASGOW 1599 at the Royal College is located in the heart of Glasgow. This heritage building makes the ideal backdrop to your special day. It provides complete wedding packages, which includes your ceremony and reception. Ceremony-only packages are also available. Experienced wedding coordinators are on hand to make your wedding memorable. Tel: 0845 388 1599, www.1599.co.uk Capacity min 2 max day 170 night 200 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 30 Price per head from £75 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers from £2,023 BOCLAIR HOUSE BEARSDEN…

Totally paw-esome Worried about who will be looking after your furry friends when you’re saying ‘I do’? Well, Jemma Cox at Hounds and Heritage Weddings has you covered. Having worked with dogs since she was 16-years-old, Jemma has put together a combination of services and resources which help you to include your pup in your big day. Whether you fancy your pooch as a ring bearer, want your four-legged pal on hand with you to greet your guests, or just need someone to look after your beloved pet in a home-from-home environment, you’d be barking mad to miss out. houndsandheritageweddings.uk IT’S A HOUSE PARTY If you’re looking for an engagement getaway or honeymoon retreat, then look no further than the glittering House of Gods, opening in Glasgow early in 2024.…

Nine months to go… Apart from getting to spend the rest of my life with the most amazing, funny and caring guy I’ve even known, the wedding really is going to be all about the dress for me! My gran was a wedding dress designer and my mum owns Wedding Wise, an award-winning bridal shop in Glasgow, so the pressure is well and truly on for me to look the part on our special day. With this comes so many perks, of course. Growing up in the bridal industry and having the opportunity to play dress-up at weekends, working in the shop since I was 16, and even getting the chance to model some of the gorgeous dresses on the catwalk, I really did think I had a pretty solid…

As one of the great sages of our time put it, “when you know, you know”. Lana Del Rey’s words apply when you realise the person you’re with is the person you want to marry – and also when you find a style of wedding photography that clicks with you. Something about it makes you know it’s the right choice for you both as a couple. All photographers have their own unique approach, and it gives their photos a distinctive look that sets them apart from the work of other snappers. But they’ll often share a common approach to the art of taking pictures, a style that will help you narrow down what you’re looking for. Do you want gorgeous, high-production shots that will rack up likes on Instagram? Or…

Real weddings Tracey Horton and Robbie Beaton 18th August 2023 at Culdees Castle Estate, Crieff, Perthshire Photography by Rogues & Queens Photography and Holeyn Heritage Photography Not many people can say they were engaged whilst being filmed for the television. We were part of the TV show Renovation Nation on Channel 4 as we were restoring Culdees Castle, our home and soon-to-be wedding venue. We were standing in the derelict kitchen when it happened – it was a complete shock. Rob had been spending hours trying to prise the doors of an old AGA cooker open and I was actually getting irritated. I kept thinking ‘what a waste of a day’! But little did I know there was a stunning Vera Wang ring box waiting on me inside when he asked…

Real weddings Stewart Crerar and Victoria Hare 1st July 2023 at Rowallan Castle, Ayrshire Photography by Gail Photography Victoria and I first met when we were teenagers. She went to an all-girls school in Edinburgh, and I went to an all-boys one. The schools did dances and discos together, so we crossed paths briefly when we were 14. We bumped into each other again when we were 23 and really hit it off! The rest is history. We eventually moved to the States together, where I work in sports management and Victoria as a veterinarian. After five years together, I proposed at Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe, California with some very expensive diamonds! We knew we wanted to get married back in Scotland so we could have more friends and family…

Stockists on page 258 ADD THIS ADDRESS The Fife-based boutique Amy King Bridal and Beauty (pictured below and left) has moved stores! No need to pack the car up for a road-trip though, as the new address, 39 Dunnikier Road, Kirkcaldy, is no further than a 15 minute walk from the previous location. And, in even more exciting news, the move accompanies the addition of two new designers – Wtoo by Watters and Serene by Madi Lane – to the boutique. Owner Amy says, “We are super excited to have these brands in store and think our brides will be thrilled with them too!” CHIC headpieces WITH GOOD GRACE Exciting new British accessories brand, Bonito & Grace, offer a curated collection of modern, high-fashion hair accessories and their bridal range is just perfect…

Stockists on page 258 Toasting the newlyweds around a crackling log fire. Wondering if there’ll be a dusting of snow on the ground for that perfect photo. Tucking into a hearty, delicious menu and washing it down with a glass of something warming. There is so much to look forward to at a winter wedding. You might be panicking about how you can stylishly match your attire to the season while protecting yourself from the elements. But actually, with so many couples these days opting to have their ceremony and celebration in the same venue, the bridal party and guests may not have to venture out into the great outdoors again once proceedings get underway. And for outfit-hunting mothers of the bride or groom who want to buy something they…

Stockists on page 258 Making ’em wink in dusky pink Rosy cheeks and rose–coloured suits: both are excellent signs of a fabulous evening. Sophisticated and elegant, this muted tweed Sawyers & Hendricks set, exclusive to Slater Menswear, is more than ‘Kenough’ to catch the eye of a suitable ‘Barbie Girl’. Its sleek tailored fit and clean lines would perfectly juxtapose a sweet, sweeping full-length gown in a similarly dainty tone. ALL OR RUST Shoulder-to-shoulder with his blushing bride in a strapless ivory number, this groom looks exceptionally smart in his peat-toned kilt outfit from Inverurie’s Mitchell Scott. The fly plaid brings the appropriate level of formality, but the peat hue of the outfit prevents it feeling too dressy. Pick out the warmer tones of the Henderson Weathered tartan by kitting…

Scan to follow MEET THE TEAM Styling Nicola Cameron Digital content and shoot assistants Beth Forsyth, Amy Shearer and Hazel Scott Photography David N. Anderson www.davidnanderson.com Hair and makeup Carol Fairfield carolfairfieldmakeup.com Models Neal Roxburgh and Kelsie Standen, Colours Agency www.coloursagency.com Location Killochan Castle, near Girvan, Ayrshire www.killochancastle.com The venue We had a nosey in the visitors book at Killochan Castle while we were there, and can reveal that Lord Sebastian Coe and some big Hollywood names have all paid this hidden gem, near Girvan in Ayrshire, a visit. It’s a meticulously preserved castle that boasts a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The grandeur of the Great Hall, the intimacy of the Drawing Room, and the charm of the luxurious bedrooms create an atmosphere that is both…

Back in the 1940s when Dean Martin first crooned Baby, It’s Cold Outside, the old smoothie was hoping to persuade his beloved to linger a little longer with the promise of a roaring fire, good music and a tipple or two to keep the chill at bay. Those romantic images are as appealing as ever (if we can just skip over some of the song’s dodgier sentiments…) and you can bring them to life across Scotland, where castles, barns and everything in between offer a cosy escape where you can tie the knot. Marrying off season has other plus points, such as reduced hire costs and the chance to indulge in rich food and drink. We can’t promise snow, but we can guarantee style and drama at a winter wedding…

Erin Henderson and James Sutherland, 1st April 2023 Trust. It’s a little word just five letters long. But its meaning has enormous magnitude. It’s something you need when you send your pal to the bar for a ‘surprise’ drink. It’s essential when making a life-changing decision. You can’t do without it when you ask your hairdresser for a big change. And, in Erin and James’s case, it’s absolutely vital when you have a wedding venue to book. “We had narrowed down our shortlist to three or four options,” recalls the bride. “James and I wanted to get married within a year, so availability was crucial; we ended up not viewing the others because they didn’t have any dates that suited us. So, after visiting Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and seeing its potential,…

Capacity min 30 max day 130 night 200 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 56 Price per head from £75 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✘ Accessibility partial Package offers from £2,023 BRISBANE HOUSE HOTEL LARGS Brisbane House in Largs is a modern, exclusive-use boutique venue set on the seafront. Interior upgrades are underway with a new function suite, duplex honeymoon suite with spa bath and balcony and bridal dressing suite – all set to launch in early 2024. Tel: 01475 687200, brisbanehousehotel.co.uk Capacity min 2 max day 120 night 160  Marquee ✔ capacity 200+ provided ✘ Sleeps 6 Price per head from £45  Self-catered option ✔ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers seasonal packages for 40 to 120 guests CORMISTON FARM BIGGAR Have your barn wedding in the…

You’ve probably thought about the music that’ll play as you walk up the aisle, the heartfelt readings your friends will give and the tender vows you’ll exchange with your beloved – but what about the all-important bits that are needed to make your union legit? We rounded up three w-day whizzes who between them have conducted hundreds of marriages, and asked them every ceremony-related question we could think of to help keep you on track. Q. What do we need to make our marriage legal? You’re in love, you want to get married, and you’re ready to head down the aisle right now. We get it, but hold your horses for a moment: there are a few things you need to do before you can be lawfully wed. “No matter…

Real weddings Imogen Reiter and Gillian Goupillot – now Mrs and Mrs Goupillot! 23rd September 2023 at Fern Hill Hotel and Portpatrick Village Hall, Dumfries and Galloway Photography by Wildling Weddings Imogen and I were together for three years when we got engaged. After getting her parents’ blessing, I proposed on 25th July 2020 at Rogie Falls in the Highlands, a place that’s special to her. Thankfully, she said yes! We are both freelancers, so our budget for our wedding was tight. We were hoping to spend around £10k-£15k and we managed everything (including our dresses) for just over £12k. After deciding the Saturday of the September weekend would suit our finances and our guests best, we set about thinking where we might marry. My hometown is Stranraer, so we settled…

Real weddings Jennifer Carroll and Andrew Stark 22nd July 2023 at The Ship Inn and Elie Beach, Fife Photography by Matthew Smith Photography Andrew and I were together for nine years before he popped the question on a holiday to the East Neuk in December 2022. Andrew suggested a walk on Elie beach with our cockapoo, Phyllis. Little did I know he’d arranged for a local piper, Audrey, to play. I thought the piper was just a local practicing. It wasn’t until Andrew stopped and got on one knee that I realised what was going on! It couldn’t have been any more perfect. The East Neuk of Fife is our happy place. Although the majority of our guests (us included) are not based in Scotland, we wanted to share with…

My love, mused Robert Burns, is like a red, red rose that’s newly sprung in June. So romantic – but was this just poetic licence? Do red roses bloom in other months (that don’t rhyme with ‘tune’)? What about yellow ones? What if your wedding is in November and white roses are your dream? To answer these questions (and many more about the entire spectrum of other beautiful flowers out there), we had a chat with three florists on what to expect during each season of the year. SPRING Ch-ch-changes… spring is a great season, isn’t it? The nights (and clothing layers) get lighter and there is a hopeful mood in the air. Helen Hardman of The Greenshed Flower Studio says she enjoys the challenge of the season. “I love…

Want to know what brides are going to be wearing in 2024? You’ve come to the right place. We attended the UK’s biggest trade-only bridal shows (where shops buy their wedding-dress samples for the year ahead) to hunt down the latest iterations of the ivory dress. Assistant editor Amy Shearer went to Harrogate, and staff writer Nicole Conner to London, and what came across loud and clear at both events was that brides are no longer playing it safe; they want to make a statement as they say ‘I do’ – and we’re all for it! Read on to discover the biggest incoming wedding gown trends and what gowns in particular caught our writers’ eyes… London Nicole’s HIGHLIGHTS Showcased on the runways of London Bridal Week, Nicole Conner rounds up fiercely…

Stockists on page 258 WIN TICKETS to the Scottish Wedding Show at the SEC, Glasgow, 17 th and 18 th February 2024. Turn to page 22…

Stockists on page 258 Elevate a seasonal brown colour palette with a consideredd selection of accessories…

WIN TICKETS to the Scottish Wedding Show at the SEC, Glasgow, 17th and 18 t h February 2024. Turn to page 22 Stockists on page 258…

Real weddings Louise Magilton and Louise Flavell 3rd June 2023 at Kinmount House, Dumfries and Galloway Photography by Hemera Visuals We’d been together for nine years when we got engaged walking our dog in Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow, in February 2021. From there, we gave ourselves just over two years to plan our wedding. We knew we wanted close family and friends present and to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere, so decided that an exclusive-use venue that we could have all to ourselves was best. Kinmount House near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway won our hearts. It was relaxed, yet classy, and fitted perfectly with the vision we had. It offered so many different settings across the estate that we could use for each part of our weekend. The night…

David Sutherland, senior events manager at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle Hello, David. Tell us what makes your venue such a brilliant place to get married We only host around ten weddings a year here at Crathes Castle, whether it’s a large do in a marquee or an intimate elopement. We’re a small team (just me and my colleagues Steph and Jerri), so we offer a personal experience and really build relationships with our clients. In fact, I had the honour of walking one bride down the aisle, and I’ve been a witness for several other couples. I work closely with each couple’s chosen suppliers to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Everyone at Crathes Castle, from management to gardeners, work together to make the day a success.…

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 day110 night 110 Marquee ✔ capacity 450 provided ✔ Sleeps n/a Price per head from £155 + VAT Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility partial Package offers for bespoke packages, contact events@roseberyestates.co.uk BARNBOUGLE…

Capacity min 2 max day 170 night 240 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 bursting with character. Marry, dine and dance in its vaulted ballroom, enjoy its palatial bridal suite, and sleep all your guests in its luxurious 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 n/a max day 350 night 350 Marquee ✔ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 244 Price per head from £95 Self-catered option ✔ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers packages start at £95 per person…

Real weddings Daisy Forster and Craig Dempster 10th August 2023 at Kinkell Byre, near St Andrews, Fife Photography by Photography by Emilie Craig and I were together for six years before our engagement. In August 2021, we were having a birthday dinner at The Shard and he planned to propose there. I felt unwell though, so he ended up asking me in the corridor of our hotel! Turns out he had got the room decorated with banners and balloons saying ‘congratulations’, so he really had to do it before we went back into the room. The venue was the first thing to sort on our list. We went to visit a few, but when we saw Kinkell Byre, we walked out of the viewing knowing it was perfect for us.…