Innholdsfortegnelse for February - March 2024 i Tie the Knot Scotland

There are few people better to glean inspiration from than recent newlyweds. This issue, we’ve lined up loads of real couples who have all shared their wedding-planning journeys. We have five venue case studies (p.116 onwards); the stories behind two couples’ rings (p.66); three brides explaining their entertainment choices (p.253); four fiancées updating us on their progress (p.196); and two grooms on shopping for outfits as Mr and Mr (p.83). Four wedding-industry professionals also reveal what they learned when organising their own nuptials (p.200). And don’t get us started on our eight incredible real weddings…From the couple whose guests thought they were going to a murder-mystery party (p.220), to the pair that won their venue in a competition (p.240), they are full of joy, surprises and, most importantly, top tips…

Opus Couture in West Kilbride recently embarked on an ambitious bridal campaign, joining forces with some of the most coveted suppliers in Scotland, culminating in a collection of breathtaking bridal imagery that can be seen here. To celebrate the collaboration, we’ve teamed up with some of the companies involved – Opus Couture, Laings and Trump Turnberry – for the ultimate wedding giveaway. Set against the stunning backdrop of Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, this collaboration showcased a seamless blend of style, expertise, and creativity, as Opus Couture’s Susan Lightbody reveals. “This campaign wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a testament to the beauty and elegance that Opus Couture brings to every bride. We invite you to explore this captivating collection and perhaps begin your own journey to bridal perfection with us.…

On our cover The brief for this stunning styled shoot was bright, modern and luxe with a ‘fruity’ colour palette of popping pink and orange. “We loved the idea of contemporary styling set against the grandeur of a centuries-old stately home like Errol Park,” says photographer Sophie Alexandria. The team behind the shoot worked to create an ‘effortlessly chic’ feel, complete with a classic Jaguar E-type car and 92-glass champagne tower [below left]. Sophie tells us more: “Lauren Bunnage from Social Brides Club, MUA Jenny Ross and I have collaborated on a number of styled shoots and love working together as we all share the same vision. “We wanted a real model couple so that we could capture authentic love and true emotion. Maggie and Jordan brought such a fun…

HAZEL AND NEIL MOORE The couple married on 28th April 2023 at Lochside House Hotel, making it official with bespoke rings from Bercotts in Glasgow, says Hazel “I was researching online for local jewellers who provide bespoke ring-making services, and Bercotts, who are based in Giffnock, caught my eye. As it happened, our friends who married a few years earlier had got their wedding rings there too and recommended the company. I thought I wanted either a wishbone design, or something very different that I’d spotted online. However, after trying on a sample wishbone, I realised it wasn’t for me. I chatted to the jeweller about the idea I had for my ring and he made me a mock-up using a band and some loose diamonds attached with Blu Tack…

Stockists on page 274 Ready to exchange vows with the man of your dreams? Then you’ll want to look the part. You might wonder what exactly you should be wearing, since one of you probably won’t be sporting that trad white dress (although if that’s your bag, we support you making it a reality in full Priscilla, Queen of the Desert style). Do you want to match your husband-to-be? Would you rather have your own look? Should you go for something unconventional? Well, according to groomswear expert Martin Rennie at Remus Uomo (who shares his own w-day story on the next page), this is the time to dress to impress in whatever makes you both feel your best. “Right away, a same-sex marriage veers from the ‘traditional’,” begins Martin. “There…

Not to get really Scottish about it, but getting engaged is a heavy buzz. There is the excitement of the moment itself, the love and happiness that bubbles and overflows in the seconds afterwards, and the frantic phone calls, meet-ups and online announcements that let your friends, family and random Instagram followers know that you’re officially To Be Wed. Once all that simmers down, though, you might just start to feel a wee bit panic-stricken. I mean, how the hell do you even plan a wedding anyway? Well, a good place to start is by sorting out the venue. Not only does it lock in a date, but it allows you to set the tone for the rest of your day – it’s much easier to pick a colour scheme…

It was a freezing December day when my partner and I drove out to Bowfield Hotel & Spa, an easy 20 minutes from Glasgow, for a highly anticipated overnight stay. The weather was grim and overcast, but as soon as we set foot in the reception, the cheery check-in warmed us right up, as did the glorious red-and-gold Christmas decor. The hotel’s 22 bedrooms are in the main building, but we were getting the full honeymoon experience in one of Bowfield’s swish private lodges. So, once the smiling receptionist had handed over our keycard, we made our way back outside for the short walk to the brand new Ben Lomond Lodge. Our timing was fortunate: the sun was setting and there was a gorgeous glow stretching across the landscape. We…

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…

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 £2,024 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 200 night 250 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided n/a Sleeps 58 Price per head from £74 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers from £2,024 CORNHILL CASTLE HOTEL BIGGAR Cornhill Castle sits beside the River Clyde surrounded by…

Stockists on page 274 Weld done! Chances are if they are in your #BrideTribe, they’ll be in your life forever. Why not make it an ‘officially’ permanent arrangement with a welded bracelet pop-up party? Welded Love offer a bridesmaid package which includes a choice of any of their sterling silver or gold-filled chain permanent bracelets with a charm or a connector to go with it. At £45 per person, the package requires a minimum of six people for venues within Fife and Dundee, and 10 people for anywhere outwith that. The team also bring along personalised cupcakes, jewellery cleaning pens and prosecco. It’s like everything you loved with your BFFs when you were wee…but with booze. A winning situation! That is totally Lush… Needing a pre-wedding pamper in-between shopping for…

I own and run beauty brands F.A.B. Salons and F.A.B. Skincare and first met Shane when he became a client at one of my salons. After getting to know him over the course of two years, and getting myself to a good place after some personal issues, I plucked up the courage to ask him out! I knew I was going to marry him after that first date. It was the easiest, loveliest dating experience I have ever had. We were both very open and honest about what we were looking for, and I guess the rest is history. We were two people in the right place at the right time and we both wanted the same thing. We fell madly in love from the get-go. I always said I…

Paddy and I met while we were both studying at the University of Glasgow in 2018. Things became serious pretty quickly and we met each other’s parents within a few months of getting together. Paddy proposed in April 2022 in Queen’s Park (which was the setting for our second date). It was a lovely sunny morning and the park was empty, which made it even more of a special, intimate moment. Getting married in Glasgow was non-negotiable. We wanted to contrast the traditional ceremony setting we’d booked – Glasgow University’s Memorial Chapel – with somewhere more modern for the reception. We viewed The Haberdashery on Sauchiehall Street after seeing it on Instagram. We liked that it was right in the centre of the city and that it was quite new, so…

The journey to your wedding ceremony is one of the most poignant drives of your life. The wheels are quite literally in motion as you head towards your new chapter, as the moment you step out of that limo (or vintage Merc, sleek Rolls-Royce, helicopter, taxi, sports car or whatever), you’ll be on your way to your new life with your love. And as it’s such an important journey, you’ll want to make sure you have the right person behind the wheel. Craig Trower, the owner of Enchanted Limousines, is certainly one person with plenty of experience. He plays a crucial part in more than 200 weddings a year in Lanarkshire and beyond, and prides himself on having over 20 years’ experience in helping couples on their way to the…

A Accessorize www.accessorize.com Aimee Bridal Couture www.aimeebridal.co.uk All Paws Great and Small www.facebook.com/allpawsgreatandsmalldornock AMM Hair and Makeup Team ammteam.co.uk Antler www.antler.co.uk Arbor Nethy www.arbornethy.com Ardell www.ardellshop.com B Barrhead Travel www.barrheadtravel.co.uk Bear Necessities bearnecessitiesfashion.co.uk Beechfield beechfield.com Bella Chocolate www.bella-chocolate.co.uk Bentleys www.bentleys-banchory.co.uk Birkenstock www.birkenstock.com Bobbi Brown www.bobbibrown.co.uk Bombshell www.bombshellhq.com Bookshop.org uk.bookshop.org Braw Blooms brawblooms.co.uk Briar Rose Design www.briarroseflowers.co.uk The Bride To Be www.thebridetobe.co.uk C C&J Weddings Www.candjweddings.co.uk Catwalk catwalk-falkirk.co.uk Chanel www.chanel.com Charlotte Tilbury www.charlottetilbury.com ChloBo chlobo.co.uk Coeur de Lion www.coeur-de-lion.org Colleen Davidson Artistry www.colleendavidson.co.uk D Duchess Seerra www.duchessseerra.com Dunelm www.dunelm.com Dune London www.dunelondon.com E Eleanor’s Flowers Arran search on Facebook Eleganza Sposa www.eleganza.co.uk Etsy www.etsy.com F Flowers by Fiona Hay www.flowersbyfionahay.com Free People www.freepeople.com French Connection www.frenchconnection.com Frontier Raas www.frontierraas.com Frox of Falkirk www.froxoffalkirk.com G Gemini Clay Studio geminiclaystudio.com Get Knotted get-knotted.net…

“Designed for the traditional bride with a strong creative vision, the Patricia Barclay Bridals collection is super-glamorous with a sassy edge. It boasts clean lines created in sumptuous satin and rich, elegant lace. Case in point: this Gwyneth ballgown, crafted from superior satin, features a fully boned corset with delicate beaded overlay and dramatic textured ballgown skirt. “Isobel Florence Bridal is a flagship for Patricia Barclay Bridals, which means we have the full collection available in store, rather than just having a few select samples. If a bride wants a Patricia Barclay gown, we’ll have it.” Julia Wong, Isobel Florence Bridal, Dalbeattie “Spanish label Rosa Clará describes its 2024 Soft collection as a ‘masterful marriage of sensuality and lightness’ – and we have to say we agree! These gowns are…

Stockists on page 274 Summer shades There might still be a chill in the air for a while yet (this is Scotland after all), but at Sheila Conn Ladies Fashion in Biggar they’re all set to embrace the brighter hues of spring and summer to come. “2024 wedding season has arrived and at Sheila Conn, we have something for everyone, whether they’re mother of the bride/groom or guest,” says the store’s owner Shona Thorpe. She’s particularly tickled pink to share these magenta and eggplant numbers included in the award-winning Veni Infantino’s latest collection. “If I were picking a favourite just now, I’d have to go with one of these chic dresses from the label in the most gorgeous shades of pink. The off-the-shoulder neckline makes for a truly flattering fit,”…

CRACKING CRAIL Oh Scotland, how beautiful are thee? Our mountains and glens are revered the world over, so it’s no surprise that Highlandwear specialists McCalls have been inspired by the Scottish scenery in the creation of their new jacket and waistcoat sets. “Much like our Weathered Pride tartan, the new brown Crail jacket and waistcoat draws on the earthy tones of our Scottish landscape and the warming colours of our whisky industries,” explains the brand’s Levi Bunyan. The photoshoot took place in woodlands between Crathes Castle and Milton of Crathes in Aberdeenshire and even included a pair of cute pooches, Solo and Nevis, who both had fur in complementary colours – cute or what? Designed exclusively for McCalls to go with their newest Pride of Scotland tartan, both jackets shown…

Stockists on page 274 Inspired by MEAN GIRLS Get in loser…we’re going shopping – for a candy-pink three-piece suit from Slater Menswear. 20 years after Mean Girls first hit screens, it is back, baby, and we’re paying homage to the cult teen comedy with this rather fetch get-up. Its tailored fit cuts a sharp silhouette with its shaped waist and clean lines. Fashion-forward pink on a classic tweed weave means it effortlessly straddles modernity and timelessness – and you won’t need to only wear it on Wednesdays. Inspired by WICKED Good news! The Broadway favourite is flying into cinemas later this year – and we’re convinced anyone who sees you in this ScotlandShop tartan dinner jacket suit in Ferguson Modern will think you look totally Wicked. A truly original addition…

I have a confession to make. I’ve turned into a bit of a wine buff. My weekends are for sampling the stuff, and my holidays are spent exploring Europe’s top wine regions. So I was very keen to see if this glam hotel would take the ‘du vin’ part of its name seriously. Happily, right from the start of my visit, I can see that it does. Take my room for the night: the Robert Mondavi suite is named after one of America’s most famous winemakers. In fact, the concierge tells me, all the suites take their names from esteemed vineyards. The ridiculously spacious Robert Mondavi offers White Lotus levels of decadence. I imagine if a rich wine baron invited Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge’s character) to holiday at his château,…

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 50 max day 120 night 150 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps n/a Price per head from £79 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility full Package offers contact the team…

Six months to go… Louise Donegan, founder of Love Stories Media, will marry customer success manager Mark Stewart at Citation in Glasgow on 2nd August 2024 Our wedding planning didn’t come to a halt over the festive period – it was still all go. I can’t believe it’s less than seven months away! As Mark and I both travel a lot for work, finding time to attend appointments together can be quite hard, so over the holidays was the perfect time to tick off some more wedding tasks. We went back to the wonderful John McKay Jewellers in Paisley to have a look at rings. I already knew I wanted a plain and simple gold band to match my engagement ring – but once I was there, of course, I…

When a bride tells you that her wedding shoes were white Doc Martens and Converse hi-tops, you know you’re speaking to someone who likes to do things a little differently. In her role as events manager at Banff Springs Hotel in Aberdeenshire, Sarah Neasham (formerly Sinclair) encourages her couples to rip up the rule book and focus on what they really want, rather than be sidetracked by what friends and family (or tradition) might suggest. “I know that’s often easier said than done,” she laughs, “but after getting married myself, I’m sticking to my guns; it’s an approach that worked so well for Anth and me. “We wanted to break the mould with our wedding plans – we didn’t have bridesmaids or groomsmen, for instance – and tried to have…

Stockists on page 274 SEYCHELLES Beth Forsyth, editor The Seychelles Islands are one of the most-coveted honeymoon destinations in the world, and with incredible beaches like Anse Source d’Argent on the charming island of La Digue [left], it’s easy to understand why. After exploring the island on bike (a popular pastime), you’d find me posing in Pucci on the huge granite boulders that pepper the beach for maximum IG likes, before retreating to relax on the powdery white sand with a book in hand. Ahhh, sheer bliss! ST LUCIA Emma Simper, staff writer Sign me up for sun, sea, sand – and lots of SPF. After having had a look at Serenity at Coconut Bay’s plush suites [right], I understand why it was voted Tripadvisor’s top luxury Caribbean resort in…

Charlie and I are hairdressers at Medusa in Edinburgh and met when he started working at the salon in 2017. In the staff room that first morning I thought, “he’s going to be my boyfriend,” and asked one of my colleagues to engineer a night out the following Saturday. We got together that night and the rest is history. I’d start most days by saying “Good morning. When are we getting married?” jokingly to Charlie. He’d always reply with a date, but add a month on every time. So, when he actually did propose at home on Christmas Eve 2022 with our cats Ruu and Sia by our sides, I was totally blown away. “OUR CEREMONY SETTING WAS INSPIRED BY CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS. IT WAS SPECTACULAR” Unbeknown to me, he’d bought…

James and I started dating in late 2016 when we were both studying in Colorado. After uni, we moved to California, where we have lived ever since. We were out walking our dog, Remi, on a Santa Barbara beach in January 2021 when James proposed. Just when he had popped the question, Remi ran off! So, there I was, ring in hand, tears of excitement streaming down my face, with Remi running away down the beach and James in hot pursuit. Eventually, they both came back and, of course, I said yes. I lived in Perth until I was nine. Then, I moved to California with my mum. Most of my family still live in Scotland and I get an opportunity to visit at least once a year. The country…

A champagne spray, sparkler procession and Spice Girls’ playlist made Natalie and Cain’s castle wedding all the more memorable. Natalie shares their love story and tells us all about the day ‘2 became 1’. Aww… Cain and I met through Tinder in October 2019. Cain lived in Glasgow, but was working in Bathgate at the time; I lived in Falkirk and was giving the dating app one last chance. We swiped right on each other and met the following day. We got engaged in Cappadocia, Turkey in 2022 after 2½ years together. It’s an area famous for its hot-air balloon trips and I’d always imagined being proposed to on one. When Cain found out there could be 20+ other people on the balloon with us, he changed plans and took…

Stockists on page 274 Joey King and Steven Piet Elegant, fun, Mallorca magic The Kissing Booth star and her now husband, director Steven Piet, married at La Fortaleza, a fortress turned villa in Mallorca on 2nd September 2023. Their grand yet intimate venue was filled with friends, family and plenty of personal touches. Embroidered linens brought a pop of colour, as did Spanish-inspired kumquat place settings and a plethora of pink and orange floral arrangements. The standout detail was Joey’s stunning Oscar de la Renta gown for the ceremony that was strewn with large fabric-flower paillettes. It was Oscar look number two of four from the weekend – lucky gal! Kourtney and Travis Gothic glam in the Italian Riviera Mr and Mrs Barker aren’t exactly known for flying under the…

The props and flowers After spotting an image on Instagram that summed up what we had in mind for our photoshoot set, we knew we had to get wedding stylist and florist Emma Mallen from Duchess Seerra on board to help us realise our vision. She’s an in-demand gal, so we even changed the date of our photoshoot to accommodate her availability. And we’re so glad we did. She rocked up with a van full of chic vintage furniture, cool neon signs, glittering disco balls and props galore to bring our red and pink mash-up to life. She even whipped up the gorgeous bridal bouquet on the day (as we all watched on in awe at her mad skills) and finished it with a length of leopard-print ribbon that we…

Stockists on page 274 Sheila Conn Ladies Fashions “Every mother of the bride/groom wants to stand out for their son or daughter’s wedding – it’s such an important day for every family,” shares Sheila Conn Ladies Fashions’ Shona Thorpe. “We always show our MOB and MOG customers a selection of styles and encourage them to try an array of them. So many of them look completely different when worn, compared to on the hanger. “Step out of your comfort zone and try something that on first glance you’re not sure of – you never know, it could end up being the one you end up loving the most!” Shona says that one example that tends to be particularly deceiving on the hanger is an off-the-shoulder garment. This type of neckline…

The venue We set up base in the dreamy Downie suite at Crossbasket Castle and after spending the day there, we think this luxurious castle, just a short drive from central Glasgow, is a magical big-day backdrop that would off er an unforgettable wedding experience for you and your guests. The venue comprises a 16th century tower and 18th century castle that overlook stunning waterfalls on the River Calder. The tranquil setting makes you feel you’re on a vast country estate rather than in the outskirts of Scotland’s biggest city. The castle has a four-storey private bridal tower and an array of opulent public rooms – including the spectacular Grand Roosevelt Ballroom with space enough to welcome up to 250 people. The hair Maureen Crolla from Glasgow wedding hair and…

Sparkling eyes don’t just happen by chance. Bright, beautiful peepers are the result of healthy habits and skilful makeup, possibly a ‘tweakment’ or two, and, if you’re short-sighted, the right pair of specs. So, read on for top tips from the experts, as well as easy-to-achieve tricks that’ll give you the kind of radiant eyes every bride dreams of! SKINCARE SECRETS Makeup artist Nicola Farquhar is a firm believer in one failsafe route to bright eyes and clear skin: get lots of sleep and drink lots of water. “Tiredness and dehydration are two of the main causes of puffiness and dark circles,” she reveals. In order to reap the benefits, proper hydration and good sleep hygiene are habits you should be implementing long before you’re ready to walk down the…

Stockists on page 274 Run for the hills! Taking inspiration from the hues of Scotland’s stunning landscapes is looking more popular than ever in the year ahead. “The rustic Highland look is becoming more prominent in outfits and this beautiful Cuillins of Skye tartan outfit is a great example of this trend,” believes Calum Grant of Slanj Kilts. COOL IN COPPER Copper accessories were having a moment at the end of last year, and according to McCalls, they will be staying for 2024. “Copper kilt pins or copper metalwork on sporran cantles or sgian dubhs are eye-catching finishing touches,” says the brand’s Levi Bunyan. “The change from pewter or silver means they marry well with brown or earthy tones.” GO BOLD, BABY If you’re someone who likes to make an…

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 day120 night 120 Marquee ✓ capacity 450 provided ✓ Sleeps n/a Price per head from £186 Self-catered option ✗ Exclusive use ✓ Accessibility partial Package offers for bespoke packages, contact events@roseberyestates.co.uk BARNBOUGLE CASTLE SOUTH…

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 2 max day 60 night 100 Marquee ✘ capacity n/a provided ✘ Sleeps 103 Price per head from £99 Self-catered option ✘ Exclusive use ✔ Accessibility partial Package offers book your 2025 wedding for 2024…

Ever wondered how the experts do it? We caught up with four newly married people who know the weddings business inside out to hear how they tied the knot – and how their experience can help you plan your own brilliant day Many brides-to-be struggling to find a dress they love will be heartened to hear that even though Lynsey Thomson-Wilson has worked in the industry for 14 years, running Aimee Bridal Couture (which has recently moved to John Street from Bath Street), she had no clue what to wear when it came to her own wedding. “My journey went from very much not knowing what I wanted, to being surprised at my choice of gown,” she laughs. “I used my knowledge to narrow down styles to a certain extent.…

Emma and Ross got engaged in Florence and briefly contemplated getting married in Italy as they love the country so much. But they quickly decided that it was more important that their elderly family members could easily attend the wedding. “Within 24 hours of getting engaged, we’d made the decision to hold everything on my family farm, near Melrose, and I’d even phoned to book my favourite photographer and mate, Samantha at Mad House Weddings,” recalls Emma, a wedding stylist, coordinator, prop hire specialist and florist who works under the name Duchess Seerra. It was full steam ahead until some unexpected family news hit their plans. “My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, so we decided to bring our ceremony forward by five weeks – but do it in secret,” says…

After getting engaged in December 2022, Kevin and I decided that we’d wait a few years, then get married in a vineyard in Italy close to where my dad stays. I visited the Scottish Wedding Show in February 2023 where I stopped by Dougarie Boathouse’s stand and, on a whim, entered a competition to win a wedding at the venue on the Isle of Arran. We were flabbergasted when we won the competition! Neither of us had even been to Arran before, let alone considered having our wedding there… The weekend after we won, we arranged a trip over to check out the renovated boathouse on the west coast of the island. We thought it was stunning. It’s a gorgeous red brick building with exposed beams that’s secluded on the…

Serious question: is having too much cake ever a bad thing? What I mean is, if I could ensure that the calories weren’t actively going to stop my favourite sequin flares from pulling up over my backside, I’d probably eat cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But an over-abundance of wedding cake probably isn’t what you need, or want (unless you’re like me). A wedding is already an expensive business, so blowing cash on tiers that are not required is a bit daft. Equally, though, you don’t want to run out before everyone’s tasted it – so how on earth do you work out how big (or small) to go? I sat down for a cuppa (and, yes, a large slab of home-baked deliciousness) with Alison McCabe, owner of The…

Looking for laid-back casual dining using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients? Barbarella Beets has you covered. Catering for everything from breakfast and BBQs, to lunch and supper, owner Shona draws on her years of experience as a chef to create menus to suit any taste, dietary requirement and budget. The world is your oyster… or canapé… or risotto… If ‘striking, colourful and delicious food’ with a sociable aspect sounds like your bag, LoBella Graze should be at the top of your list. Grazing tables are an informal way to share food with the people you love and care about – and you can be guaranteed those at your wedding. Owner Audrey offers great quality fresh seasonal ingredients with artistic curating – yum! If an award-winning caterer whets your appetite, set…